Duane Gomez, Heroin Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2013

BOSTON, MA – In a shocking move, federal authorities have arrested and charged two Cape Cod men with conspiring to violate federal drug laws. Duane Gomez, 39, of Falmouth, and Antone Andrade, 34, of Bourne, were taken into custody on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.

According to the federal investigation, Gomez and Andrade sold cocaine and heroin worth thousands of dollars, and stashed drugs and money in locations in Falmouth, Bourne, and Mashpee. One of the heroin samples from Gomez tested positive for traces of fentanyl, a synthetic opiate that has been linked to overdoses when mixed with heroin.

The investigation, which began in fall 2013, involved audio- and video-recorded drug transactions with both Gomez and Andrade. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 40 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

While actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties, the severity of the charges against Gomez and Andrade is a stark reminder of the dangers of the opioid crisis plaguing our nation. The case is being prosecuted by William F. Bloomer and Brian A. Pérez-Daple of Carmen M. Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

The defendants, who have extensive criminal histories, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case was investigated by the DEA Cape Cod Drug Task Force and the Massachusetts State Police Cape Cod Drug Unit.

A spokesperson for the federal authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests are possible.

The details of the case are as follows:

Defendants: Duane Gomez and Antone Andrade
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, over 100 grams of heroin; Conspiring to distribute cocaine
Location: Falmouth, Bourne, and Mashpee, Massachusetts
Arrest Date: Not specified
Sentence/Outcome: Pending
Amounts: Thousands of dollars

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