Thaindian News

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT (BNO NEWS) – A Hartford man was sentenced for his participation in a narcotics trafficking ring, U.S. Attorney Nora R. Dannehy said Thursday.

Alexander Guzman also known as “Diego” and “Lex,” 29, of Hartford received a 27-month prison term, followed by one year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony.

Guzman was intercepted recurrently over a phone wiretap ordering quantities of cocaine for distribution.

Victor Esteves, also known as “Gadget,” and Reynaldo Laureano, also known as “Pichy,” were high-ranking members of the Almighty Latin King Nation (Latin Kings) who controlled the drug trade in several neighborhoods in Hartford.

On one occasion, Guzman was intercepted ordering from both Esteves and Laureano, and on one occasion, negotiating the purchase of a “stack” of heroin, or 100 dose bags.

Guzman has been detained since his arrest on May 19, 2009.

Esteves and Laureano previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their participation in this narcotics trafficking conspiracy, receiving sentences 72 months in prison, respectively.

A year-long investigation called “Operation Solid Gold” by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force has resulted in 55 individuals being charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.