A Puerto Rican man has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the state of Maine.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 29-year-old Joshua Emmanuel Ramirez-Diaz played a key role in a drug distribution network that moved fentanyl across multiple states.
Ramirez-Diaz was sentenced to 51 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. After completing his prison sentence, he will also serve three years of supervised release.
Federal court records show that the drug trafficking activity took place between January and March 2022. During this time, Ramirez-Diaz worked with others to transport fentanyl from Massachusetts to Bangor, Maine, where it was sold in the local community.
The case was part of a broader investigation into drug trafficking operations impacting the region. Authorities used surveillance, intercepted messages, and witness interviews to track and gather evidence against the individuals involved.
Ramirez-Diaz’s sentencing is one of several recent efforts by federal law enforcement to crack down on the spread of fentanyl in New England.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been responsible for a rising number of overdose deaths in Maine and across the United States.
Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of fentanyl, even in small amounts. They also highlighted how drug trafficking networks often rely on out-of-state connections to bring these substances into smaller communities like Bangor.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with local and state police, was involved in the investigation. Prosecutors stated that efforts like this are essential to protecting public health and safety, especially in regions facing a surge in opioid-related cases.
This case was prosecuted as part of the federal government’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative.
This program brings together multiple law enforcement agencies to target high-level drug traffickers and criminal networks.
As fentanyl continues to pose a serious threat nationwide, authorities say they will remain focused on identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in its distribution.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
