STAFF REPORTS
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BUFFALO — Raul Ramirez Vargas, 43, of Buffalo, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, was sentenced to 130 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. In addition, Judge Skretny sentenced Angel Sanchez, 49, also of Buffalo, to 60 months in prison for his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the sentencings, stated that the defendants were associates of a gang known as the Loiza Boys, which has been distributing heroin and cocaine on Buffalo’s West Side since at least 2006.
The defendants were charged in 2013 along with eight co-conspirators following a long-term investigation that involved the interception of telephone calls of various defendants and the use of undercover drug purchases from some of those charged. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized over 450 grams of heroin, three firearms, and over $70,000 in U.S. currency.
Nine of the 10 defendants have been convicted. Charges are pending against Josbel Garcia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
