East Hartford Woman Sentenced For Drug Trafficking

EAST HARTFORD, CT — An East Hartford woman who helped run a drug trafficking operation out of a Hartford grocery store was sentenced to six years in federal prison.

Gisel De La Cruz, 44, helped traffic large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and other drugs into Connecticut and western Massachusetts from out of state. Drugs were processed and packaged at a number of locations including a Collins Street apartment and Neighborhood Supermarket in Hartford, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

De La Cruz sold drugs to undercover law enforcement agents. She also paid $20,000 to smuggle her Dominican boyfriend back into the country after he was deported following a narcotics conviction. Around 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl were seized as part of the operation along with seven firearms. To sign up for free Greater Hartford news alerts and more, click here.

De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of encouraging and inducing an alien to illegally come to, enter and reside in the U.S.

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