Alberto Marte, Heroin Trafficking, Massachusetts 2020

A large-scale drug conspiracy that trafficked dozens of kilos of heroin into Springfield from Bronx, N.Y. and the Dominican Republic has been brought to a close with the sentencing of a key player in the operation.

Alberto Marte, 35, of Springfield, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin; six counts of distribution of heroin; one count of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of fentanyl; and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

The sentence was handed down in U.S. District Court in Springfield on June 29, 2020, after Marte was found guilty of his role in the conspiracy.

According to court documents, Marte operated a heroin mill at 152 Lebanon Street in Springfield where his co-conspirators packaged kilograms of heroin for retail distribution for a drug trafficking organization based in Springfield. The organization had direct contact with heroin supply sources in the Dominican Republic.

On a monthly basis, members of the organization transported between eight and 20 kilograms of heroin to the Springfield area. In total, Marte and 12 others have pleaded guilty to, or have been found guilty of, crimes resulting from their roles in the organization.

A search of Marte's home and vehicles on September 22, 2016, resulted in the discovery of three kilograms of heroin hidden in an aftermarket compartment in a vehicle and three firearms. On the same date, 1.7 kilograms of heroin and evidence of an active heroin mill were also discovered during searches at additional locations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling's Springfield Branch Office.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/springfield-man-sentenced-15-years-conspiring-distribute-heroin