BUFFALO — A Jamestown man is facing cocaine charges after picking up a parcel carrying drugs.

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced that Jeffrey John Guzman-Suarez, 29, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel Ulubiyo, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on Oct. 2, during a review of outgoing mail at the Jamestown Post Office, Postal Inspectors were alerted to a suspicious Priority Mail parcel addressed to Guzman-Suarez from Puerto-Rico.

Thereafter, Postal Inspectors executed a search warrant on the parcel and discovered a small portable charcoal grill. Inside was an off-white chunky substance in brick form wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap, food storage bags, and cleaning wipes. The substance was determined to be cocaine. On Oct. 11, Guzman entered the Jamestown Post Office and requested to pick up the parcel. After accepting the parcel and exiting the post office, the defendant was stopped by law enforcement officers and taken into custody. The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was released on conditions.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.