(WNY News Now) – A 56-year-old Buffalo man previously convicted of a federal cocaine conspiracy charge has been arrested and accused of attempting to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it, according to federal prosecutors.

David Garrett, 56, of Buffalo, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced.

According to the criminal complaint, Garrett previously was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to time served and six years of supervised release.

Federal investigators began a joint investigation in August 2026 into alleged shipments of narcotics to the Buffalo area involving the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

On Sept. 6, investigators were alerted to a Postal Service parcel being shipped from Puerto Rico to Garrett in Buffalo. A search warrant was executed on the package on Sept. 9, authorities said.

Investigators allegedly found about two kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed inside a white box decorated with pink flowers.

On Sept. 11, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to Garrett’s Sycamore Street residence. Authorities said the suspected cocaine had been replaced with sham material before the delivery.

According to the complaint, Garrett left the residence with the parcel and was arrested shortly afterward following a traffic stop.

Garrett appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. and was detained.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and DEA.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if convicted.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. Garrett is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.