Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Involvement in Narcotics Trafficking Ring

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS RAMOS, also known as “Carlos” and “Papi,” 41, last residing on Barbour Street in Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. On March 25, 2008, RAMOS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter stems from a six-month investigation by the Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force that included the use of a variety of investigative techniques including controlled purchases of crack cocaine, federal wiretaps over a two-month period and physical surveillance. The investigation followed an increase in drug trafficking activity and associated violence in the vicinity of Capen and Tolland Streets in Hartford. The investigation resulted in the indictment of 14 defendants on federal narcotics and firearms charges, and search and seizure warrants executed during the investigation resulted in the seizure of seven firearms, significant quantities of powder cocaine and crack cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia, approximately $37,000 in cash, and six vehicles utilized in furtherance of drug trafficking activities.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in Court, RAMOS and his wife, Marta Ramos, were intercepted on numerous occasions during the wiretap phase of the investigation negotiating the purchase and sale of crack cocaine. The investigation revealed that the couple was selling significant quantities of crack cocaine out of their home at 447 Barbour Street.

On March 27, 2007, law enforcement officers recovered quantities of crack cocaine, a firearm, numerous rounds of ammunition, and approximately $3,000 during the execution of a search and seizure warrant of the Barbour Street residence.

Marta Ramos pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on July 25, 2008, she also was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy commended the investigation of this matter that was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, the Bloomfield Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the East Hartford Police Department, and the Mid-State Narcotics Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Kang.