An MS-13 gangbanger will spend the following 17 years behind bars for orchestrating a transnational fentanyl trafficking ring whereas incarcerated at a Florida jail, in line with federal prosecutors.
Mario Clifford Rivera, 32, whose alias is “Chuky,” was sentenced Wednesday for utilizing the US Postal Service to smuggle greater than three kilograms of the lethal drug throughout the border from Mexico into the Sunshine State, in line with the the US Legal professional’s Workplace for the Southern District of Florida.
Rivera’s authorized standing was not instantly clear.
“Rivera’s 17-year federal prison sentence should serve as a warning to MS-13 and other terrorist gangs who seek to flood our communities with deadly poisons like fentanyl,” US Legal professional Hayden O’Byrne stated in a press release.
“Whether you operate on the streets or behind prison walls, we will identify your leaders and members, dismantle your networks, and hold you accountable using the full force of American law.”
Prosecutors stated Rivera, whereas out on bond in 2023, launched his narcotics operation and offered two kilograms of the deadly substance to a Florida purchaser as he awaited the beginning of a three-year jail stint for throwing a lethal missile into an occupied automotive and aggravated assault.
The gang member continued operating his drug ring from behind bars, utilizing contraband cell telephones to direct his sellers on how you can promote fentanyl and what costs to cost — all whereas making certain he acquired his share of the income, prosecutors stated.
He additionally instructed his crew to promote the drug for about $1,500 per ounce, courtroom paperwork obtained by the Miami Herald confirmed.
Prosecutors stated the fentanyl landed in Florida after it was trafficked throughout the border wall from Mexico into California, then despatched to Rivera and his associates by mail for distribution.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the U.S. Mail is not used as a tool to distribute dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, to our communities,” Miami Division performing Inspector in Cost Steven L. Hodges stated.
“The sentence handed down should serve as a reminder that we remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to bring those who engage in drug trafficking through the mail to justice.”
Rivera pleaded responsible to drug trafficking in January.
His federal sentence will start as soon as he completes his state time period.
President Trump designated MS-13, a infamous El Salvadoran gang, as a international terrorist group when he declared a nationwide emergency on the southern border earlier this 12 months.
