Efrain Cheverez, Fentanyl Trafficking, Connecticut 2023

A Hartford man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking operation. Efrain Cheverez, 42, was sentenced to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, an investigation revealed that Cheverez was involved in trafficking fentanyl from a residence on Crown Street in Hartford. On January 25, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of an apartment on Nutmeg Lane in East Hartford and seized approximately 5,400 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately one kilogram of unpackaged fentanyl, and items used to process and package narcotics. Cheverez and two others were arrested at the time.

On July 18, 2023, Cheverez pleaded guilty to the charges. He was released on a $50,000 bond and is required to report to prison on July 1.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA's Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

Cheverez's co-defendants, Issachamil Torres and Enrique Rodriguez Rivera, pleaded guilty to related charges. Rodriguez was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment on December 19, 2023, while Torres awaits sentencing.

In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 5,400 dose bags of fentanyl, one kilogram of unpackaged fentanyl, and $30,000 in cash from Cheverez's residence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/hartford-man-sentenced-federal-prison-trafficking-fentanyl