News Release [print friendly page]
For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2008

Worcester Man Indicted on Federal Drug Charge

JUL 24 -- WORCESTER, MA - A Worcester man was charged yesterday in federal court with attempting to purchase multiple kilograms of cocaine.

Kevin L. Lane, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration - New England Field Division andUnited States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan, announced that EFRAIN MATIAS, age 37, of 10 Sherburne Avenue, Worcester, Massachusetts, has been charged in a federal Indictment with attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to an affidavit filed earlier in the case, the government alleges that from December 2007 through June 25, 2008, MATIAS negotiated with undercover agents from the DEA to purchase multiple kilograms of cocaine. It is also alleged that on June 25, 2008, MATIAS met with an undercover DEA agent and agreed to purchase a total of 22 kilograms of cocaine in two installments. MATIAS initially agreed to purchase 12 kilograms up front and pay for the remaining 10 kilograms within three days. Agents arrested MATIAS after he produced approximately $215,000 to purchase the 12 kilograms of cocaine.

If convicted on the charge, MATIAS faces a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a maximum term of life, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release,
and a $4 million fine.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration's High Intensity Task Force in Worcester.

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