Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue, Fentanyl Trafficking, Massachusetts 2022

BOSTON – A Lawrence woman has been convicted of drug trafficking offenses in connection with her role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue, 28, was convicted on August 30, 2022, following a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million.

Vasquez-Rodrigue was indicted in January 2021 along with co-conspirator Saury Rodriguez-Ruiz.

“Ms. Vasquez-Rodrigue was involved in a conspiracy that pumped fentanyl into our communities and profited off of the immense harm and pain it caused,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Drug traffickers across the United States pose a serious, existential threat to public safety.

On November 24, 2020, Rodriguez-Ruiz distributed nearly one kilogram of fentanyl to a cooperating witness. In exchange for the fentanyl, Vasquez-Rodrigue collected $42,000 from the cooperating witness. Vasquez-Rodrigue then transmitted those drug proceeds to the fentanyl supplier in Mexico via small payments to multiple individuals through local money remitting businesses.

On May 26, 2022, Rodriguez-Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Strike Force including the Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Stephen W. Hassink of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2022.

Danybelkis Vasquez-Rodrigue, defendant, was involved in a conspiracy that pumped fentanyl into our communities and profited off of the immense harm and pain it caused.