Massachusetts man sentenced to prison for role in distribution of 7 kilos of drugs in Massachusetts, New York

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and cocaine.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 32-year-old Jovani Santiago was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to seven years in prison and five years of supervised release. In March 2021, Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

In August 2020, Santiago sold approximately 500 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in a Roxbury apartment. During a subsequent search of Santiago’s residence, a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun and ammunition were seized. The investigation also determined that Santiago conspired with others to distribute seven kilograms of cocaine for $250,000 in Massachusetts and New York.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Field Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation.