PHILADELPHIA, PA — United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Wanderis De La Cruz, 24, of Worcester, Massachusetts, has been charged on Friday by indictment with attempting to provide contraband in prison.
The indictment alleges that in July 2024, De La Cruz attempted to smuggle 18 sublingual 8mg films of Suboxone into the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, is considered contraband in prison settings due to its potential for misuse.
If convicted, De La Cruz faces a maximum possible sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meghan E. Claiborne is prosecuting the case.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.
