Mexican Man Convicted of Transporting 20 Kilograms of Cocaine Into Massachusetts for Drug Cartel Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts Dateline: Boston, Massachusetts Date: 8 May 2024 Subjects: American Government , Crime

Defendant drove more than 30 hours from Texas to distribute the narcotics

BOSTON – A Mexican man was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy from which 20 kilograms of cocaine was seized during a traffic stop in Littleton in March 2023.

Erasmo Lira-Mendez, 39, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (both offenses involving five kilograms or more). U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 4, 2024. Lira-Mendez was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2023 along with his co-defendant, Cornelio Hernandez.

“This case is a stark reminder of the profound dangers posed by illicit narcotics circulating in the shadows of our communities. While driving without a license in a small, quiet Massachusetts suburb, Mr. Lira-Mendez was found in possession of 20 kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution, hidden inside a duffle bag,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This conviction reaffirms our office's unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who seek to profit from the devastation wrought by drug trafficking. We will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of Massachusetts residents.”

“DEA is committed to investigating drug traffickers who are distributing cocaine to the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take these poisons off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

On March 29, 2023, in Littleton, Lira-Mendez was observed driving a car with a temporary Texas license plate that was drifting across a double yellow line. During an ensuing traffic stop, 20 kilograms of cocaine was found inside a duffle bag on the back seat of the vehicle. A subsequent investigation revealed that a private tracking device had been installed in the vehicle by the Mexican drug cartel, Cártel del Noreste. GPS data obtained from the device revealed that the two men had traveled at least 32 hours from Texas to Massachusetts – with the cocaine concealed inside the vehicle’s doors – to distribute the narcotics in Lawrence.  

Hernandez pleaded guilty on April 18, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 23, 2024.

Both charges provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The defendant will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Littleton Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and K. Nathaniel Yeager of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.   

Updated May 8, 2024