A man linked to a Mexican drug cartel was found guilty Tuesday by a federal jury in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving 20 kilograms of cocaine seized in a traffic stop in Littleton in March 2023, officials said.
Erasmo Lira-Mendez, 39, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to a statement from acting US Attorney Joshua Levy’s office. Both offenses involved five kilos of cocaine or more.
Lira-Mendez’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 4, the statement said. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in May along with another defendant, Cornelio Hernandez.
Advertisement
On March 29 of last year, Lira-Mendez was seen driving a car with a temporary Texas license plate that was drifting across a double yellow line in Littleton, Levy’s office said. He was stopped by police, who found 20 kilos of cocaine inside a duffle bag in the back seat. Both Lira-Mendez and Hernandez, the passenger, were arrested.
An investigation found that a private tracking device was installed in the car by a Mexican drug cartel called Cártel del Noreste. Data from the device showed that the men had traveled from Texas to Massachusetts to distribute the cocaine in Lawrence, the statement said.
In April, Hernandez pleaded guilty, Levy’s office said. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 23.
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 up to $10 million, the statement said. Lira-Mendez could face deportation after he completes his sentence, Levy’s office said.
“This case is a stark reminder of the profound dangers posed by illicit narcotics circulating in the shadows of our communities,” Levy said in the statement. “This conviction reaffirms our office’s unwavering commitment to hold accountable those who seek to profit from the devastation wrought by drug trafficking.”
Advertisement
Maeve Lawler can be reached at maeve.lawler@globe.com. Follow her @maeve_lawler.