Mario Figueroa-Portalatin, Heroin Trafficking, New York 2020

A Troy man has admitted to trafficking at least 10 kilograms of heroin in New York.

Mario Figueroa-Portalatin, 41, of Troy, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute the heroin, which he acquired from a source of supply in New York City.

According to the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York, Figueroa-Portalatin sold the heroin in Troy from March 2018 to March 2020. He traveled to New York City once a month, on average, and purchased between 500 grams and 1 kilogram of heroin each time, which he brought back to Troy and sold.

On March 30, 2020, Figueroa-Portalatin was the subject of a traffic stop in Troy. Police seized a black canvas bag containing approximately 200 grams of heroin that he intended to sell that day.

Law enforcement then executed warrants on Figueroa-Portalatin's apartment and another apartment in the same building, and seized $34,001 in drug trafficking proceeds. A Hi-Point model JHP .45 caliber pistol was also found in his bedroom.

Figueroa-Portalatin will be sentenced on December 8, 2020, by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life.

The case was investigated by the DEA's Albany Division and the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/troy-man-admits-trafficking-10-kilograms-heroin