Joel Cordero, a 45-year-old resident of Meriden, has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking activities. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport and includes five years of supervised release following the imprisonment period.

The investigation into Cordero's activities began in October 2016 when the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force started looking into a drug trafficking organization he led. This group was responsible for distributing significant amounts of heroin, fentanyl, and other narcotics across Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigative efforts involved wiretaps, controlled purchases, and physical surveillance.

Cordero's organization reportedly obtained large quantities of drugs from out-of-state suppliers. These substances were stored and packaged at various locations, including apartments on Collins Street in Hartford. Distribution occurred mainly around Hartford as well as Springfield and Holyoke in Massachusetts. The Neighborhood Supermarket on Farmington Avenue was identified as a key location for drug-related activities.

Firearms were also linked to the group's operations, with law enforcement seizing several weapons during their investigation. They executed 12 search warrants across Connecticut and Massachusetts, resulting in the confiscation of approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, some already packaged for resale. Other seized items included vials of Xylazine used as an additive for narcotics, seven firearms, ammunition, gun magazines, and a bulletproof vest.

In total, fourteen individuals faced charges related to narcotics, firearms offenses, and immigration violations due to this investigation.

Cordero has been held since his arrest on June 29, 2017. He pleaded guilty on October 24, 2024, to conspiracy charges involving the distribution of fentanyl and heroin.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force conducted this operation with assistance from various police departments across Connecticut as well as federal agencies like the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone is prosecuting the case under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program which aims to dismantle major criminal organizations through collaborative law enforcement efforts.