New Haven Man Sentenced In Drug Trafficking Case

NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Haven man has been sentenced to five years in prison for drug trafficking, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. William Claudio-Suarez, aka "Willy," 34, will also serve four years of supervised release.

An investigation found that Malbin Rubiera-Herrera, also known as “Chaca,” acquired fentanyl, heroin and cocaine from sources in Connecticut and New Jersey and distributed the drugs through a network of associates in the greater New Haven area.

Between October and December 2018, investigators made controlled purchases of narcotics from Rubiera-Herrera, according to the statement.

Court-authorized wiretaps revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine into Connecticut.

The investigation revealed that Claudio-Suarez distributed narcotics, and also acted as broker for a large shipment of cocaine to Rubiera-Herrera.

In March 2019, after Claudio-Suarez had moved to New Jersey, Claudio-Suarez and Rubiera-Herrera were intercepted on recorded calls coordinating the delivery of two kilograms of cocaine to Rubiera-Herrera for redistribution in Connecticut.

Ultimately, one of the kilograms of cocaine was sold prior to reaching Connecticut, and the other was seized after a traffic stop in New Jersey, according to the statement.

In October, Claudio-Suarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of heroin.