Crime & Safety
Man Pleads Guilty In Central MA Cocaine Trafficking Case
He pleaded guilty to his role in a drug trafficking organization distributing cocaine in Southbridge, Worcester and surrounding communities.
WORCESTER, MA — A Southbridge man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy that distributed drugs throughout Central Massachusetts.
Luis Sastre Pagan, 37, of Puerto Rico and formerly of Southbridge, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Federal prosecutors said Sastre Pagan participated in a drug trafficking organization that shipped kilograms of cocaine into Central Massachusetts between approximately April 2023 and April 2024. He was charged in November 2024 along with co-conspirators Eric Rivera and Miguel Lopez.
According to court records, investigators found that Sastre Pagan communicated with Rivera and Lopez before and after cocaine deliveries and directed their activities, as well as those of other members of the drug trafficking organization operating in and around Southbridge and Worcester.
During the investigation, authorities seized four packages connected to the organization, each containing cocaine.
Prosecutors said between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine were attributable to Sastre Pagan based on his involvement in the conspiracy.
Sastre Pagan faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Rivera pleaded guilty in 2025 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Lopez was sentenced in April 2026 to six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
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