Italian national extradited in connection to seizure of more than 1,500 kilos of cocaine bound for Europe aboard fishing vessels
BOSTON – An Italian national was extradited and made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday in connection with various drug charges related to trafficking cocaine onboard maritime vessels.
Gabriele Biondo, aka "El Italiano," was arraigned on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Biondo is an Italian national who was extradited to the United States from Spain.
The conspiracy and distribution charges each provide for a sentence of no greater than life in prison, a life term of supervised release and a $10 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
DEA New England Division Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle, United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, John Gibbons made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Colombian National Police, the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Portuguese Air Force.
