PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Portsmouth man pleaded guilty to possessing drugs with the intent to distribute Friday.
According to the Department of Justice, 32-year-old Ali L. Scott, Jr. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute para-flourofentanyl mixed with Xylazine, a combination known as the "Zombie drug." He also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On Nov. 10, 2022, authorities executed arrest warrants on Scott. Police found a firearm near him and a backpack with 23.76 grams of a mixture containing para-flurofentanyl and Xylazine.
According to the DOJ, mixing Xylazine with fentanyl "increases overdose deaths and severe medical complications — including terrible flesh wounds causing rotting of the skin and leading to amputation."
Scott's sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2023. He faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison.
