Albany Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Synthetic Drugs Into Prisons Disguised as Legal Mail
An Albany woman has admitted to manufacturing and distributing synthetic cannabinoids that were smuggled into correctional facilities under the guise of legal mail.
Maya McIntosh, 33, pleaded guilty Tuesday to multiple charges, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute, and unlawful possession and use of a means of identification, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Federal investigators say McIntosh was involved in the production and sale of MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, from at least January 2023 through July 2024. Prosecutors stated that she obtained chemicals, mixed them at her residence, and then applied the liquid substance to copy paper and business envelopes. These drug-laced documents were then mailed to inmates at various New York correctional facilities.
Authorities allege McIntosh falsely labeled the packages as legal mail, stamping the names of real attorneys—without their knowledge—on return addresses to avoid detection. She reportedly used social media to sell the drug-soaked papers, with buyers paying her to send them into prisons.
McIntosh faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, a potential fine of up to $1 million on drug-related charges, and an additional $250,000 fine for identity-related offenses. If convicted, she could also face supervised release ranging from three years to life.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case.