William Claudio-Suarez, Cocaine Trafficking, Connecticut 2019

Willy, a 34-year-old New Haven resident, has been behind bars for two years after his involvement in a large-scale cocaine trafficking ring was exposed. In a shocking turn of events, Claudio-Suarez was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

According to court documents, an investigation led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine into Connecticut.

Between October and December 2018, investigators made controlled purchases of narcotics from Malbin Rubiera-Herrera, also known as ‘Chaca.’ Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed a complex network of associates in the greater New Haven area who were involved in the trafficking ring.

Claudio-Suarez played a significant role in the conspiracy, acting as a broker for a large shipment of cocaine to Rubiera-Herrera. In March 2019, Claudio-Suarez and Rubiera-Herrera were intercepted on recorded calls coordinating the delivery of two kilograms of cocaine to Rubiera-Herrera for redistribution in Connecticut.

One of the kilograms of cocaine was sold prior to reaching Connecticut, while the other was seized after a traffic stop in New Jersey. Claudio-Suarez has been detained since his arrest on a state probation violation on April 29, 2019.

On October 21, 2019, Claudio-Suarez pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of heroin. He is expected to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

The investigation also revealed that Rubiera-Herrera, who awaits sentencing, had approximately 300 grams of fentanyl in his residence at the time of his arrest on April 30, 2019. The case has been a significant blow to the New Haven-based drug trafficking organization, with 14 individuals charged in connection with the conspiracy.

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