Lackawanna Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Cocaine Conspiracy
BUFFALO, N.Y.–In a major blow to the city’s narcotics trade, Angelo Vazquez-Rodriguez, 31, of Lackawanna, N.Y., has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for his role in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy.
According to court documents, Vazquez-Rodriguez was the intended recipient of multiple kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico. The cocaine was intercepted by law enforcement prior to delivery, refilled with sham material and allowed to be sent on to the defendant immediately prior to his arrest.
On April 13, 2012, Vazquez-Rodriguez was arrested after he accepted delivery of a mail package, which he believed contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine. Officers also found a firearm with a defaced serial number at the scene of the delivery.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Alsup, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was the intended recipient of multiple kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico. The cocaine was intercepted by law enforcement prior to delivery, refilled with sham material and allowed to be sent on to the defendant immediately prior to his arrest.
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. praised the efforts of law enforcement in bringing Vazquez-Rodriguez to justice. ‘This sentence is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners in taking down major narcotics traffickers,’ Hochul said. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these organizations.’
Vazquez-Rodriguez’s conviction and sentencing are a significant victory for the citizens of Lackawanna and the surrounding area. The case serves as a reminder that the authorities will not tolerate narcotics trafficking and will vigorously prosecute those who engage in it.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. Any information or guidance concerning U.S. Attorney’s Office closing policies and/or information presented in this press releases should be directed to U.S. Attorney’s Public Info Officer.
This article was originally released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York and was obtained through public records.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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