Eddie Quinones Santiago, Heroin Trafficking, Florida 2020

Tampa, Florida – In a crackdown on heroin trafficking in Central Florida, a local man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale heroin operation. Eddie Quinones Santiago, 38, was sentenced on December 29, 2020, for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, Quinones Santiago was part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that sold heroin in the Central Florida area. Federal, state, and local law enforcement conducted a joint investigation into the DTO, revealing a complex web of heroin and cocaine distribution. Statements by co-conspirators and recorded conversations identified Quinones Santiago as a member of the DTO who was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin in Orlando and Tampa.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement obtained search warrants and conducted searches of storage units, a residence, and a vehicle connected to Quinones Santiago. The searches revealed approximately 406 grams of heroin and 427 grams of cocaine in storage facilities controlled by Quinones Santiago and a co-conspirator. Investigators also seized proceeds from Quinones Santiago’s drug trafficking, including approximately $332,000 in cash and $63,000 worth of jewelry.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.

The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Eddie Quinones Santiago is now facing 10 years in federal prison for his role in the heroin trafficking operation. This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in large-scale heroin trafficking in Central Florida.

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