Federal authorities announced on Apr. 27 that five individuals have been indicted for allegedly trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut using the U.S. Mail. The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, along with officials from the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The case is significant as it highlights law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations that use legitimate postal services to move illegal substances across state lines.
According to court documents, Edgardo Castro Perez, Roselyn Osorio-Soto, Edgar Castro Perez, Juan Jose Torres-Ortiz, and Enrique Arroyo-Robles are accused of coordinating shipments of cocaine by mailing parcels from Puerto Rico to various addresses in central Connecticut. Investigators identified at least 12 suspicious packages and seized four containing multiple kilograms of cocaine during their investigation.
On September 17, 2025, Torres-Ortiz allegedly collected a parcel delivered in Middletown and transferred it in Hartford before it was seized by investigators in Tolland with approximately three kilograms of cocaine inside. Searches conducted on that day uncovered firearms and over $133,000 in cash at residences linked to the suspects.
All five defendants were arrested between March 31 and April 2, 2026. They face charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine; if convicted based on drug quantity attributed to each defendant, sentences range from a mandatory minimum of five years up to life imprisonment for some defendants. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of cash and firearms seized during the operation.
Sullivan said: "An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." The investigation continues as part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut serves the entire state prosecuting federal crimes while managing civil cases for the United States government according to its official website. The office operates locations in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport employing about 68 assistant attorneys alongside support staff according to its official website. It advances justice initiatives intended to enhance quality of life for residents according to its official website.
