Heroin Trafficker Sentenced To More Than 10 Years In Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN RUANO, 49, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 130 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 19, 2011, RUANO and his wife, Saira Ruano, were arrested in the parking lot of a Windsor Locks hotel moments after taking delivery of luggage containing approximately 11 kilograms of heroin.  The heroin was secreted in 15 cans marked as refried beans that had been smuggled into the United States from Guatemala City, Guatemala.  A search of RUANO’s car revealed a black plastic trash bag containing $18,000 in cash intended for other members of the conspiracy who arranged the transport the heroin.

Subsequent investigation revealed that from approximately May 2010 through December 2011, more than $200,000 in currency exchanges were transacted on joint back accounts owned by RUANO and his wife.

RUANO has been detained since his arrest on December 19, 2011.   On September 28, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.

RUANO has forfeited the $18,000 seized at the time of his arrest.

On December 4, 2012, Saira Ruano pleaded guilty to structuring financial transactions to avoid currency reporting requirements.  She awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov