A man from Providence, R.I., Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, is now facing a decade behind bars after being sentenced yesterday in Boston's federal court. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the 38-year-old was the leader of a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl across Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Following his prison term, Ortiz-Alcantara will undergo five years of supervised release and may also face deportation.
Ortiz-Alcantara had entered a guilty plea this past December to charges related to the conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of the potent synthetic opioid. He was first brought into custody in July 2022, and, an indictment by a federal grand jury followed in August 2022. From around February 2021 to July 2022, he directed a network that managed a stash house in Fall River, where, authorities seized over 12 kilograms of fentanyl, alongside drug trafficking paraphernalia like blenders and a hydraulic press.
The raid that uncovered Ortiz-Alcantara's operation resulted from a collaborative effort among multiple agencies. As detailed by the authorities, significant contributions came from Homeland Security Investigations, the Massachusetts State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and various other local law enforcement agencies across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, accompanied by other law enforcement officials, announced the outcome of the case, underscoring the collaborative nature of the investigation.
This case falls under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. OCDETF endeavors to dismantle high-threat criminal organizations through a multi-agency strategy led by intelligence and spearheaded by prosecutors. Their work encompasses a variety of activities, including community outreach, educational programs, and the sort of joint law enforcement operations that led to Ortiz-Alcantara’s conviction. More information about the program and its initiatives can be found on their official website.
