DEA Seizes Large Quantity of Heroin, Cocaine, and a Firearm from Boston Drug Traffickers

BOSTON – Two Boston men were arrested Friday, April 10, 2015, on federal drugs charges for their roles in trafficking large quantities of heroin and cocaine.  In the raid conducted by the DEA on the three locations used by the drug traffickers, federal agents seized six kilograms of heroin, one-and-a-half kilograms of cocaine, a handgun, and a large sum of cash.

Yamal Gonzalez, 33, of Boston, was charged with distribution of heroin, and Jose Polanco, 33, of Boston, was charged with conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.  Gonzalez and Polanco are scheduled for detention hearings on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein.

According to the criminal complaint, the DEA conducted a three-month investigation into Gonzalez who sold heroin to a cooperating witness on three occasions.  The investigation revealed that the drug traffickers utilized three locations in their operation: 1431 Commonwealth Avenue, Apartment 9, in Brighton; 15 School Street, Apartment 2, right side, Dorchester; and 457 Massachusetts Avenue, Apartment 2, Roxbury.

On Friday, April 10, 2015, federal agents observed Gonzalez and Polanco exit the School Street apartment in Dorchester together and walk towards their vehicles.  Officers converged on the two men, and Gonzalez was arrested, searched, and found to be in possession of 80 grams of heroin and one-half ounce of cocaine.  Officers confronted Polanco, who initially fled as they approached, but was quickly arrested and found to be in possession of a plastic corn starch container with 300 grams of heroin inside.  Agents executed a federal search warrant at the School Street apartment and seized, among other things, a Smith and Wesson; .40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun containing ammunition; additional rounds of 9mm ammunition; six kilograms of heroin; one and one-half kilograms of cocaine; drug packaging materials; drug “presses” used to package narcotics; cash; and scales.  Agents also executed a federal search warrant at the Commonwealth Avenue apartment in Brighton and seized 50 grams of heroin and 20 grams of cocaine.  At the Massachusetts Avenue apartment in Roxbury, agents seized a large quantity of cash.

The charging statutes provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.

The details contained in the complaints are allegations.  The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today.  The case was investigated by the DEA; the Massachusetts State Police; the Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Ipswich, and Boston Police Departments; and the Essex County Sherriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn A. Mackinlay of Ortiz’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit.