Adriano Cortez, Trafficking Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, Massachusetts 2021

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for his role in a massive drug trafficking operation in the city. Adriano Cortez, also known as “A,” was handed down a 121-month prison sentence and four years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV.

Cortez, 28, was convicted in October 2021 of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine.

The charges against Cortez stem from a series of events that began in March 2015, when he was observed conducting a street-level drug deal in Weymouth. When law enforcement attempted to pull him over, Cortez refused to stop and fled on foot, leaving his vehicle at an intersection in the drive position. He was eventually apprehended and found to be carrying numerous drugs, including over 47 grams of cocaine, approximately 70 grams of heroin, and approximately 73 grams of a fentanyl and heroin mixture.

Cortez was initially arrested on state charges and placed on court-ordered location monitoring and later home detention. However, between September and November 2017, he orchestrated approximately 10 drug deals with undercover officers while still on monitoring. During this time, Cortez managed all aspects of the drug operation from his Dorchester residence, informing undercover officers of the meeting location and payment amount for each deal.

The couriers used by Cortez to deliver cocaine or fentanyl would then return the cash proceeds to him at his home after the deals. On November 21, 2017, Cortez cut off his court-ordered GPS monitor and fled Massachusetts, eventually being apprehended by law enforcement in Colorado.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins, along with other federal and local law enforcement officials, announced the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Hoefle and John T. Mulcahy prosecuted the case.

In total, Cortez was found to have possessed and distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, causing significant harm to the community. His sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the need for accountability in the face of the opioid epidemic.

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