Thaindian News

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT (BNO NEWS) – A Stratford, Connecticut man was sentenced to federal prison for dealing cocaine, prosecutors said on Friday.

Adrian Rivera, also known as “Heff,” 25, is from Stratford, Connecticut and participated in a Bridgeport-based narcotics-trafficking ring.

From approximately January 2002 to February 2009, George Sanchez was the leader of a large-scale cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring that operated in Bridgeport. He had approximately two kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to several residences in Bridgeport each week, hidden inside electronic devices such as VCRs, clothing, and other items.

Along with his associates, Sanchez would process some of the cocaine into crack cocaine and prepare it for distribution in the Bridgeport area.

Rivera participated in the distribution of the drugs, using his substantial profits to purchase luxury vehicles and for illegal gambling. He pleaded guilty on November 4, 2009 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and was sentenced to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

Sanchez had previously pleaded guilty in September 2009 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more crack cocaine.

The year-long investigation called “Operation G-Force” has led to the federal prosecution of 46 individuals, included the use of court-authorized wiretaps; controlled purchases of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; search and seizure warrants, and physical surveillance.