Shurlan Gorin, et al., Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2022

PHILADELPHIA – A Trinidad and Tobago resident has been extradited to the United States to face charges of heroin and cocaine trafficking in Pennsylvania. Shurlan Guppy, also known as Shurlan Gorin, Rafael Oquendo, Christopher Hughes Matthews, and Marc Roman, 48, was arrested and charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and cocaine and related drug offenses.

The indictment alleges that from approximately 2017 to July 2022, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the District of Delaware, and elsewhere, Guppy conspired with others to distribute bulk amounts of various controlled substances, including heroin and cocaine.

The indictment further alleges that Guppy distributed such controlled substances in person and by other means, including through various delivery services in exchange for cash. The defendant communicated with others in person and via cell phones, sometimes on Facetime and through the encrypted internet/phone application WhatsApp, to discuss pricing, availability, and delivery and payment arrangements for controlled substances, sometimes using coded language to describe their drug trafficking activities.

If convicted of all charges, Guppy faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 10 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lizmar Bosques.

Significant assistance with the extradition was provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and its Transnational Organized Crime Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Central Authority of the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Immigration, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Office of International Affairs.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The investigation into Guppy’s alleged trafficking activities is ongoing, and it is unclear at this time how the defendant was able to evade authorities for so long. Authorities say they are working to dismantle the entire operation and bring all those involved to justice.

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