Dominican Republic Resident Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking

A citizen of the Dominican Republic has been brought to justice for their role in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine in western Pennsylvania. Adelin Hernandez Amparo, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

According to court records, Hernandez Amparo was involved in the Kijana Lowe drug trafficking organization. On November 8, 2021, law enforcement conducted a surveillance operation at the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Pittsburgh, where Hernandez Amparo and another individual exited the bus station with two suitcases and got into a vehicle driven by a co-defendant.

Mobile surveillance followed the vehicle to a motel in Coraopolis, where surveillance observed Lowe enter the motel room occupied by Hernandez Amparo and the two co-defendants, and then back outside, accept one of the suitcases transported from the bus station. Law enforcement detained the individuals and executed search warrants on the suitcase, the motel room, and Lowe’s vehicle.

The suitcase contained nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Lowe’s vehicle contained over $280,000 that was to be used to purchase the seized cocaine. A search of cell phones revealed text messages from Lowe in which Lowe complained about having to pay three people for the drug re-supply, referring to Hernandez Amparo and his associates.

Hernandez Amparo is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Hernandez Amparo has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The investigation that led to the prosecution of Hernandez Amparo was conducted by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of drug trafficking in our communities, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

As a result of this guilty plea, Hernandez Amparo will face the consequences of their actions, and the community will be safer for it. The Grimy Times will continue to provide in-depth coverage of this case and other high-profile crimes in the region.