Iramarie Velez, Cocaine Possession, New York 2017

BUFFALO, N.Y. - In a shocking turn of events, Tonawanda resident Iramarie Velez, 37, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., Velez was convicted of the crime after a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The investigation, which began on December 15, 2017, involved the seizure of a package containing just over two kilograms of cocaine addressed to Velez's residence on Crane Place in Tonawanda. The package was replaced with sham cocaine, and Velez was subsequently arrested after she accepted the package and attempted to transport it to a co-defendant.

Velez's sentencing is a result of the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the growing issue of cocaine trafficking in the region. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, deserve credit for their diligent work in bringing Velez to justice.

The case against Velez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of cocaine trafficking and the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to prevent the spread of this deadly substance.

The sentencing of Iramarie Velez is a victory for the people of New York and a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to protect our communities from the scourge of cocaine trafficking.

Defendant: Iramarie Velez, 37

Crime: Attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine

City and State: Tonawanda, New York

Date: December 28, 2017

Sentence: 12 months and one day in prison

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/tonawanda-woman-going-prison-cocaine-conviction