BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Basheer Saleh, 42, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
In July 2025, law enforcement began an investigation into Basheer’s drug trafficking activities. In July and August 2025, investigators conducted four controlled purchases of cocaine, totaling approximately 532 grams, at Basheer’s store, Sweet Puff's Smoke Shop, on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. On September 2, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants at several locations, including the smoke shop, a vacant store next door owned by Basheer, and his Delaware Avenue residence. Investigators seized approximately 5,000 grams of cocaine, a quantity of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt I. Kass and Monica Benjovsky. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.# # # #