Rochester Crack & Heroin Kingpin Gets 10 Years

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Luis Abril, 31, is heading to federal prison for a decade. The Rochester resident was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa after being convicted of leading a dangerous drug operation and illegally packing heat while doing it. Abril will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his 10-year sentence.

Prosecutors detailed how Abril was a key player in a Rochester-based drug conspiracy orchestrated by Raymond Collazo. The operation flooded the streets with crack cocaine and heroin, processing and packaging the drugs for resale in varying quantities. The pair weren’t shy about arming themselves during their illicit activities, a fact that significantly increased the severity of the charges.

The bust went down on April 24, 2014, after authorities executed search warrants across Rochester and at Collazo’s residence in Orlando, Florida. Abril and Collazo were cornered at 617 Ridgeway Avenue. A search of the location revealed a disturbing arsenal: over 12 grams of cocaine already bagged for sale, a hefty 200 grams of heroin, three loaded handguns (one stolen), and enough ammunition to escalate a street fight into a full-blown shootout. Officers also seized $2,466 in cash and the tools of the trade – packaging materials and processing equipment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola painted a clear picture of Abril’s role during the trial. He wasn’t just a runner; Abril actively participated in storing, processing, and distributing the narcotics alongside Collazo. The brazen display of firearms proved to the court that this wasn’t just about moving drugs – it was about intimidation and control.

The sentencing represents the culmination of a long-term investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The Rochester Police Department, led by Chief Michael Ciminelli, played a crucial role, alongside Special Agents from the FBI (under Special Agent in Charge Delano A. Reid), the ATF, and the DEA (under Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt). Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley’s office also contributed to the case. The feds are still building their case against Collazo, who remains a pending threat.

Along with the prison sentence and supervised release, Abril was ordered to forfeit the two handguns and all the ammunition seized during the investigation. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who peddle poison and brandish firearms in Rochester will face the full force of federal law.