Three hard-nosed dealers ran a brutal drug pipeline from Puerto Rico into the heart of southeastern Massachusetts, flooding streets with lethal doses of cocaine, heroin, and synthetic opioids—until the feds closed in. Luis Lopez, a/k/a “Juan Gonzalez,” 42, of Tiverton, RI and Fall River, Mass., along with Israel Santiago, a/k/a “Reysito,” 39, of Fall River, and Chindy Diaz, 38, of New Bedford, all pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Boston to their roles in a sprawling narcotics network.
Lopez copped to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession of fentanyl and acetylfentanyl with intent to distribute, and laundering monetary instruments. From 2014 to 2016, he imported between 50 to 100 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico, funneling it through New Bedford and Fall River with help from co-conspirators. He admitted that a kilogram of fentanyl/acetylfentanyl mix seized from a stash house in June was his. He laundered millions through Hillside Auto, a used car lot bought in a relative’s name.
If the court accepts the plea deal, Lopez faces 15 years behind bars, five years of supervised release, a $2 million money judgment, and forfeiture of three properties worth $1.2 million—plus a fleet of vehicles and motorcycles tied to his shell business. The stakes were sky-high, the profits blood-soaked, and the poison they pushed left bodies in its wake.
Santiago pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In June 2016, he tried shipping a kilogram of cocaine to 24/7 Fitness in New Bedford, meant for Lopez. But investigators had already seized and opened the package. Authorities let the scheme play out—Lopez and Santiago weren’t arrested until weeks later, after the net tightened. Judge Rya W. Zobel took the plea under advisement, sentencing set for Jan. 31, 2017.
Diaz, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, was a linchpin in the operation. She had cocaine mailed to her home and associates’ homes, then personally delivered it to Lopez in Fall River. She also coordinated sending drug cash back to Puerto Rico—moving dirty money like a cartel accountant. Her sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2017.
The charges carry staggering penalties: up to 20 years for cocaine conspiracy, up to life for moving five kilos or more. Supervised release could last a lifetime. Fines hit $1 million or $100,000 depending on count. While actual sentences often fall below maxima, the feds aren’t playing. Ortiz, DEA, IRS-CI, USPS, and local law enforcement from Fall River, New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office all converged to dismantle the ring. The streets may breathe easier—for now.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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