A Los Angeles man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl into Southwest Florida.
U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber handed down the sentence to Esdras Joel Garcia De La Rosa, 28, of Los Angeles, California. De La Rosa was sentenced for conspiracy with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charges on November 20, 2024.
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According to court documents, De La Rosa conspired with Durand Dijoun Demetiu Colbert, 35, of Lee County, Florida. Investigators determined that De La Rosa, residing in California, acted as the supplier, sending controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Colbert in Florida. The drugs were shipped using the U.S. mail and other commercial package carriers for subsequent distribution.
The operation was partially uncovered on November 17, 2023, when the Lee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Colbert’s residence. During the search, deputies seized approximately 1,700 fentanyl pills. Investigators later confirmed these pills had been supplied by De La Rosa.
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Colbert has also pleaded guilty for his involvement in the conspiracy. His sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for June 2025.
The successful investigation and prosecution resulted from a collaborative effort between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan prosecuted the case.
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