United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAFAYETTE, LA. - Demetrio Regalado, AKA “Dee” 24, leader of a drug trafficking organization based out of Vermilion Parish, was sentenced January 23, 2011 to 25 years in prison and five years supervised release following imprisonment. The sentence is a result of Regalado’s plea of guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced. The sentence was imposed by U. S. District Judge Rebecca F. Doherty. Regalado and 11 co-defendants were indicted in June 2009 on a variety of drug trafficking and firearms charges, along with unlawful use of communication facilities. Evidence revealed that this drug trafficking organization was responsible for the movement and sale of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into the United States, and the distribution throughout the Acadiana area. Regalado and his co-conspirators possessed and distributed kilos of methamphetamine and cocaine. The defendant admitted to being the leader of the organization and at times used a minor female to transport drugs to and from Mexico to Louisiana. The defendant’s couriers were often armed with weapons while transporting the illegal substances. Demetrio Regalado acknowledged that he was specifically responsible for the distribution of approximately 25 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley stated, “Drug trafficking of any kind is a threat to our communities. The U. S. Attorney’s Office, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration and our local and state partners, will continue to vigorously investigate, arrest, indict and seek serious and long sentences for anyone who engages in this trade. We are committed to holding drug dealers, from couriers to leaders, accountable.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’(DEA) Lafayette Post of Duty, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Lafayette Metro Narcotics Task Force and is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley.