Anibal Vega-Arizmendi, Cocaine Importation, Puerto Rico 2018

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Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 300 Months in Prison

29-year-old Puerto Rican man convicted in 2018 federal trial, ordered to pay $2 million fine

Anibal Vega-Arizmendi, a 29-year-old man from Puerto Rico, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for his role in a massive cocaine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. The sentence, handed down by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, also included five years of supervised release and a $2,000,000 fine, as well as a special assessment of $300.00.

The conviction stems from a 2018 federal jury trial, in which Vega-Arizmendi was found guilty along with five co-defendants on cocaine-related charges. The jury’s verdict was based on evidence that revealed the organization’s plan to retrieve over 300 kilograms of cocaine in mid-sea during the period of the conspiracy, which lasted from January 2014 to March 2016. Approximately 223 kilograms of cocaine were actually distributed by the drug organization.

Law enforcement efforts to interdict some of the drug shipments were successful, beginning in 2015. In October 2014, Vega-Arizmendi and others effected the mid-sea retrieval of 71 kilograms of cocaine. Between December 13 and 15, 2014, he assisted others in attempts to retrieve 30 kilograms of cocaine mid-sea. Witnesses testified that Vega-Arizmendi functioned as a boat operator. Between November 7, 2015 and November 12, 2015, he and others made several unsuccessful attempts to retrieve 87 kilograms of cocaine from mid-sea.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Everard E. Potter. Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial, six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced. Of the six that were convicted on June 26, 2018, five have been sentenced and one is awaiting sentence.

The conviction and sentence of Vega-Arizmendi marks the latest development in a case that has seen significant law enforcement attention. The successful interdiction of several drug shipments and the subsequent convictions of key players in the organization are a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies.

Anibal Vega-Arizmendi’s case serves as a reminder of the dangers of cocaine trafficking and the severe consequences that come with involvement in such activities. The sentence handed down by Judge Lewis reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the need for harsh penalties to deter future offenders.

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