PROVIDENCE — The co-leader of a years-long drug trafficking organization that shipped more than 100 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Rhode Island has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Efrain Colon-Garcia, 43, and his wife, Yaniris Colon-Senquiz, 47, formerly of Woonsocket, co-led a conspiracy where members of their extensive family received packages that contained 1 or more kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico, according to US Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Those family members used 19 different addresses in Rhode Island and received more than 60 packages, according to court documents.
The Colons received less than 1 kilogram of cocaine per package, and the narcotics were hidden within items like clothing and toys, Cunha’s office said. When the operation expanded, multiple kilograms of cocaine were hidden inside larger items, such as Bluetooth speakers and wooden wine holders. Family members were tasked with receiving packages, but also to collect and transport drug proceeds to New York. They were paid $1,000 to receive one package, and paid $2,000 and $5,000 per trip to drive and deliver tens of thousands of dollars and drug proceeds to New York, court documents said.
Law enforcement interrupted the organization in 2020, and discovered that the Colons were supplying cocaine and drug dealers in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida.
US District Court Judge William E. Smith on Tuesday sentenced Efrain Colon-Garcia to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of federal supervised release. Yaniris Colon-Senquiz is awaiting sentencing, Cunha’s office said. Both defendants pleaded guilty on Sept. 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and unlawful use of a communication facility (US Mail).
The matter was investigated by the US Postal Inspection Service and members of the Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.