Watervliet Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Large-Scale Fentanyl Distribution

On November 4, 2026, Eric Hines, age 28, of Watervliet, New York, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed an eight-year term of supervised release to commence upon his release from incarceration.

The sentencing was announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam.

Hines had previously entered a guilty plea admitting that on December 17, 2024, he agreed to sell 4,000 fentanyl pills for $8,500. Law enforcement apprehended him before the transaction could be completed. At the time of arrest, Hines was found in possession of 3,960 pills that tested positive for fentanyl, collectively weighing over 300 grams.

The arrest was part of a broader investigation into Hines’s distribution activities involving fentanyl and carfentanil in the Cohoes and Watervliet areas.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone emphasized the commitment of federal authorities to combat the opioid epidemic, stating, “I thank the Special Agents at the DEA for their steadfast pursuit to track down and remove those who seek to profit from selling deadly substances in our community. This prosecution is part of our continued commitment to those in the Northern District of New York to fight fentanyl from flowing onto our streets and bring to justice the dealers who push this poison.”

DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam highlighted the severity of the case: “Nearly 4,000 fentanyl pills, thousands of potential lethal doses, all for an $8,500 payday. Eric Hines chose profit over human lives, but thanks to the tireless efforts of our DEA Special Agents, those deadly pills never reached our streets. Make no mistake; those looking to poison our communities will be pursued, targeted and prosecuted. The DEA remains committed to saving lives and holding accountable those looking to take them.”

The investigation and arrest were conducted by the DEA, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul DerOhannesian prosecuting the case.

This sentencing underscores ongoing federal efforts to disrupt the distribution of fentanyl and other deadly opioids in the Northern District of New York, aiming to reduce the availability of these substances on local streets and protect public health and safety.

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