BOSTON – A brazen fentanyl trafficking operation was dismantled in the Greater Boston area, thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement.
Erika Prado, 32, a Hyde Park woman, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to her role in a wide-ranging fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Prado pleaded guilty on August 17, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2023.
According to the charging documents, beginning in or around September 2022, Prado began to work for co-defendant Quenty Ogando –initially cleaning Ogando’s Mattapan apartment and allegedly later counting and packaging fentanyl pills that had been made at the apartment using a pill press.
It is alleged that the pills, which Prado packaged for shipment, were often picked up at the apartment by other individuals. On or about November 22, 2022, a search of Ogando’s Mattapan apartment allegedly revealed over 20 kilograms of fentanyl pills in various colors, over 20 kilograms of loose fentanyl powder, numerous packages and mailing labels, three industrial grade pill presses as well as heroin and cocaine.
Prado’s co-defendants have pleaded not guilty and are pending trial. The investigation was led by the Boston Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Massachusetts State Police and United States Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Zacks and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related Federal Cases
- Joshua Siereveld Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Conspiracy in Boston · Massachusetts
- Boston Man Anthony Smallwood Charged in Fentanyl Trafficking Ring · Texas
- Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy · Massachusetts
- Joshua Morales Admits to Fentanyl Pill Trafficking, Lawrence MA, 2023 · Ohio
- Joshua Morales Admits Fentanyl Pill Trafficking, Lawrence MA, 2023 · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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