In a landmark case that underscores the relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Boston area, Gerardo Madrigal Quintero, a 25-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to 29 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. The sentencing took place today in the U.S. District Court in Boston, where Judge Denise J. Casper presided over the proceedings.
Quintero’s sentencing follows his guilty plea on July 11, 2023, to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. This guilty plea marked a significant milestone in an extensive investigation that began in August 2022.
The investigation initially targeted a drug trafficking organization operating out of Mexico with intentions to establish a cocaine distribution network in the Boston metropolitan area. Through meticulous investigative work, law enforcement officials identified Quintero’s co-defendant, Joel Enrique Armenta Castro, as a key member of the organization who had come to Boston to oversee the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine.
In August 2022, Quintero played a pivotal role in the conspiracy by transporting a staggering 15 kilograms of cocaine from California to Massachusetts. Concealing the illicit cargo in the back of his tractor-trailer, Quintero proceeded to rendezvous with Castro on August 29, 2022, at a service plaza located along the Massachusetts Turnpike in Ludlow, where he handed over the massive shipment of cocaine.
Joel Enrique Armenta Castro, Quintero’s co-defendant, had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on September 28, 2023, to four years in prison, along with two years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, alongside Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, jointly made the announcement regarding Quintero’s sentencing. Their collaboration underscores the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten the safety and well-being of the community.
Additionally, the Massachusetts State Police played a vital role in assisting with the investigation, providing valuable support to the prosecution’s efforts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter, representing the Criminal Division, skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring that those responsible for perpetuating drug-related crimes face the full force of the law.
The successful sentencing of Gerardo Madrigal Quintero represents a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking in the Boston area, sending a clear message that individuals involved in such criminal enterprises will be held accountable for their actions. As communities continue to grapple with the devastating effects of drug addiction, law enforcement agencies remain committed to safeguarding the public and upholding the rule of law.
