Amsterdam man sentenced 15 years for drug conspiracy

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- An Amsterdam man was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years and one month for engaging in drug trafficking conspiracy and possession. Bernardo Tovar, 34, was also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Tovar admitted he conspired to distribute counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as cocaine and methamphetamine from May 2022 to December 2022. When police searched his apartment on Dec. 7, 2022, he admitted to possessing fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun to protect the drugs and his proceeds from drug sales.

Police said Tovar had a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery and his alleged co-conspirator, Samuel Payano, was arrested the day Tovar's apartment was being searched. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.