Individual Found Guilty Of Drug Trafficking
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - After a four day jury trial, Delfín Robles-Álvarez was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation, conspiracy to import cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez and Vito Salvatore Guarino, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Caribbean Division. United States District Court Judge Pérez-Giménez presided over the trial. Eight other co-conspirators had already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentence and one other defendant is awaiting extradition.
According to the indictment, throughout the year of 2005 and continuing up to 2014, the defendant, along with others, intentionally combined, conspired, and agreed to possess with intent to import and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine from Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles into Puerto Rico.
During trial, the government presented video, audio, and telephone recordings of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles, to Puerto Rico for distribution and sale as well as the laundering of funds in excess of $12 million U.S. The complex conspiracy involved numerous players with various roles, the smuggling of money and drugs both by sea and by air, and various methods to launder the proceeds from these illegal activities, one of which was the Puerto Rico lottery system. A jury heard lay and expert testimony at trial that proved Delfin Robles-Alvarez’ willful participation and knowing involvement in the conspiracy.
“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against narcotics in Puerto Rico. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of this defendant at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mariana Bauza and Special Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Goetchius. Delfín Robles-Álvarez faces a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The now convicted defendant also faces a possible fine and a money judgment to be determined later by the Judge.
