Massachusetts man sentenced in NYC to 151 months in prison for drug trafficking

A Massachusetts man is expected to spend over the next decade behind bars for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization that spanned the east coast, according to authorities.

Hector Santillan, 38, of Methuen, Massachusetts — also know as “Bane,” “Bene” and “Liro” — was sentenced Wednesday in Manhattan federal court to 151 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin and oxycodone pills, and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to prosecutors, Santillan — who was convicted and charged in November 2015 — soldcocaine, heroin and oxycodone as a member of a drug trafficking organization, which spanned the East Coast from the summer of 2012 up to, and including, Feb. 12, 2013.

On Feb. 12, 2013, authorities said, Santillan and a co-conspirator travelled from Massachusetts to Washington Heights in Manhattan, where Santillan allegedly bought four kilograms — about 8.8 pounds — of cocaine.

As they made their way back to Massachusetts, the two were pulled over by a Westchester County Police officer for a traffic violation, according to authorities.

A search of the car revealed that the cocaine was stashed in a compartment hidden under the seat Santillan was sitting in, prosecutors said.

Evidence at the trial also showed that the Methuen resident owned an assault rifle which, together with others, he used to make a credible threat to use violence against an individual he thought was planning to rob the organization Santillan belonged to.

“Hector Santillan was convicted by a jury of serious drug trafficking crimes,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “Heroin and prescription pill abuse is ravaging our neighborhoods, and those like Santillan who peddle these drugs are fueling this national epidemic.”

Santillan’s 151-month prison sentence is expected to be followed by four years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment.