Several indicted in Puerto Rico drug pipeline

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Narcotics trafficking and other charges have been filed against 29 people, including several from the Rochester area, accused of taking part in a drug distribution network that funneled cocaine and heroin from Puerto Rico and Philadelphia to Rochester, Buffalo and elsewhere in New York. 

The arrests were part of a multi-agency investigation code-named “Operation Liberty,” consisting of federal, state and local law enforcement agents led by the New York State Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force.

State police and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a six-month investigation that included undercover operations, hundreds of hours of covert surveillance and wiretaps, a release from the AG’s office states. More than 3.5 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $140,000, a half pound of heroin with an estimated street value of $130,000, eight guns and more than $250,000 in cash were seized.

Among those indicted was Roberto Rivera-Diaz, the alleged network’s narcotics source in Puerto Rico, the AG’s release states. According to the charges, Rivera-Diaz arranged with co-conspirator Miguel Saez of Buffalo to send shipments of narcotics through the U.S. mail to his brother Luis Saez and associates in Rochester, where a portion of the narcotics were prepared and distributed.

The three men are charged with operating as a major trafficker, a new law that went into effect last year and is the only felony narcotics charge in the state that carries a possible life sentence.

The first indictment, unsealed Wednesday in Monroe County Supreme Court, contains 38 counts and charges 12 people with crimes including operating as a major trafficker, as well as various criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy. From Rochester are Luis E. Saez, 27; Luis Angel Rodriguez Figueroa, a/k/a Colorao, 22; Edel Gonzalez, 26; Jesus Jorge Guzman, a/k/a Pocho, 25; Juan Perez, 47; and Luis A. Saez, a/k/a Luiscito, 29.

Two other indictments, containing 49 counts, charge 17 people with crimes including various criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy in relation to their alleged involvement. From Rochester are Julio Cruz, 38; Raymond Cruz, 36; Jorge Figueroa, 34; Adam Herb, 31; Joseph McGuinness, 26; Jose Ramos, 25; Johnny Rodriguez, a/k/a Enard, 35; and Allen Russell, 30; Lisandro Martinez, 29; Juan Rodriguez, a/k/a Manny, 36; Edgardo Santiago, 37; Jose A. Santiago, 25; and Jose L. Santiago. Also, Daniel Alden, 21, of  Canandaigua.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo commended Rochester Police Department Special Investigator Philip Sindoni and OCTF Special Investigator Tim MacConaghy for their excellent work.

The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General James Mindell under the supervision of Deputy Attorney General of OCTF Peri Alyse Kadanoff.