HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT (BNO NEWS) – A Hartford, Connecticut man on Friday was sentenced to federal prison for his participation in a narcotics trafficking ring, prosecutors said.

Reynaldo “Pichy” Laureano, 36, was sentenced to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2009, Laureano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance.

As a result of the investigation, 56 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.

During an approximately two-month period in which investigators intercepted calls over Laureano’s phone, he was continually involved in drug-related communications throughout the day. On the calls, Laureano discussed with his associates the distribution of cocaine and heroin, their ongoing concern regarding the police, and their use, or threatened use, of violence against competitors.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.