Cocaine-laden packages shipped to Gainesville land man in prison

FLORIDA – A man who pleaded guilty to trafficking more than 10 pounds of cocaine has been sentenced to federal prison.

Emmanuel Martinez Vega, 27, of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, has been sentenced to serve more than thirteen years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said Coody.

“This sentence demonstrates our commitment to support their efforts through the investigation and vigorous prosecution of criminals who would bring drugs into North Florida.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida (USAO), in May 2021, local investigators received information regarding a drug trafficker receiving large quantities of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service worked with local investigators to further identify the conspirators and establish a historical record of the cocaine-laded parcels shipped to Gainesville from Puerto Rico.

As a result of the combined investigative efforts, Vega was held accountable for trafficking approximately 129 kilograms of cocaine between 2018 and June 2022. Authorities said they were able to seize a total of 12 kilograms of cocaine and tens of thousands of dollars over the course of the investigation.

“Ridding our communities of this poison and ensuring the safety and health of our citizens is one of DEA’s top priorities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter.

“The success of this investigation is a direct result of the tireless efforts of these dedicated investigators and highlights our continued commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to protect our Florida communities.”

The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Elsey prosecuted the case.