Boston, MA – Two Massachusetts men are facing federal charges after authorities allegedly seized more than 70 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash as part of a multi-agency drug trafficking investigation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Noel Betances, 42, of Chelsea, and Reylin Segura, 31, of Boston, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Prosecutors said the pair made their first appearances in federal court in Boston on Friday.
According to court documents, the investigation began in 2023 when law enforcement intercepted packages sent from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts that were suspected of containing narcotics. Betances was allegedly seen on Aug. 12 leaving a Revere address with a box later found to contain four kilograms of cocaine and bundled cash. Authorities say he then met with Segura to exchange the box for another bag.
A search of the Revere location allegedly uncovered an additional 69 kilograms of cocaine and large amounts of currency. Federal officials estimate the total street value of the seized cocaine to exceed $1 million. Photos released by investigators show stacks of cash, packaged narcotics, and firearms.
The arrests were part of Operation Take Back America, a national Department of Justice initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations and drug trafficking networks. The effort involved the FBI, DEA, Massachusetts State Police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and multiple local police departments.
If convicted, Betances and Segura face up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $1 million. Federal sentencing will be determined by a judge in accordance with U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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