Swedish Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Suffolk County Cocaine Smuggling Case
Amanda Abrahamsson, a 26-year-old Swedish national, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal possession of cocaine in the first degree, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 8. Authorities say Abrahamsson acted as a drug courier, transporting 10 kilograms of cocaine shipped from California to Suffolk County through a FedEx facility.
The massive drug importation ring was uncovered when two packages containing cocaine were flagged at a FedEx distribution center in Bohemia, Suffolk County. Law enforcement intercepted the parcels before they reached the streets, averting a significant public safety threat.
Coordinated Sting Leads to Immediate Arrest
Following the package interception, investigators traced activity to Abrahamsson, who had visited the FedEx site to inquire about the shipments. Authorities also identified a woman tracking the packages via phone, which led law enforcement to arrange a controlled pick-up at a Walgreens store in Patchogue. On September 3, 2024, Abrahamsson arrived to collect the packages from an undercover officer and was immediately arrested.
At the time of the arrest, Abrahamsson was found with two cell phones, one used to communicate with both FedEx and law enforcement agents. In a written confession, she admitted her integral role as a courier in the drug distribution operation.
District Attorney Emphasizes Law Enforcement Cooperation
District Attorney Tierney stated, “This defendant came from outside Suffolk County specifically to commit these crimes, believing she could slip in and out unnoticed. She clearly underestimated the capability of the Suffolk County Police Department and our partners at Homeland Security Investigations to track her down and intercept these dangerous drugs before they hit our streets.”
Tierney reinforced that the case highlights law enforcement’s relentless efforts to keep Suffolk County safe from drug trafficking and send a strong warning that transnational criminals will be pursued and prosecuted.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
On April 3, 2026, Abrahamsson pleaded guilty to a Class A-I felony—Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree—before Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei. Her sentencing was finalized on May 8 with a 10-year prison term.
Following her incarceration, the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer to ensure Abrahamsson’s deportation back to Sweden upon completion of her sentence.
Abrahamsson was represented by attorney Jason Bassett, Esq., and the prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Dana Gremaux of the Narcotics Bureau. The investigation involved extensive coordination between Suffolk County Police and Homeland Security Investigations.
National Impact and Vigilance Against Drug Courier Operations
This case underscores ongoing efforts across the United States to disrupt illegal drug trafficking networks using commercial shipping services like FedEx. For communities in Suffolk County and nationwide, it reflects the dangers posed by international couriers attempting to infiltrate local markets with significant quantities of narcotics.
Authorities urge vigilance and cooperation from the public and private sectors to identify suspicious shipments and maintain public safety in a growing battle against trafficking.
The successful prosecution and stiff sentencing signal that couriers—regardless of origin—will face severe penalties when caught, reinforcing U.S. law enforcement’s cross-agency collaboration and commitment to combatting the drug epidemic.
