Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HEDRIC VELEZ, also known as “Edrik,” 35, of Prospect Street, Vernon, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for supplying cocaine to a Hartford-area narcotics trafficking ring. On September 9, 2009, VELEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five kilograms or more of cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 55 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that VELEZ received kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail. VELEZ then sold the cocaine to others, who distributed it in Hartford and surrounding towns.

On April 23, 2009, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a U.S. Express Mail package in Puerto Rico that was destined for VELEZ. On April 27, 2009, the package, which contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine, was delivered by law enforcement to VELEZ at his Vernon residence. A search of VELEZ’s residence on that date also revealed quantities of heroin, marijuana, and items used to package drugs for distribution.

VELEZ has admitted that, between March 2008 and April 2009, he received approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine from his supplier in Puerto Rico, and made approximately $2000 in profit on each kilogram he sold.

VELEZ has been detained since his arrest on April 27, 2009.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.