Dominican’s conviction in Puerto Rico ends feared drug ring’s reign

Santo Domingo.- A U.S. federal court in Puerto Rico on Wednesday sentenced Dominican drug lord Ramón Antonio del Rosario Puente (Toño Leña) to six years in prison, after pleading guilty of smuggling more than five tons of cocaine and more than one ton of heroin in July 2012, elnuevodia.com reports.

Del Rosario’s conviction, along with those of Angel Ayala Vazquez (Angelo Millones) and Jose David Figueroa Agosto (Junior Capsula) brings an end to one of the most feared drug trafficking organizations which operated for nearly a decade between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

The outlet reports that del Rosario left the hearing elated, stating "72 months!" (six years) when judge Jay García Gregory, of the Federal Court at Hato Rey, announced the prison term.

Del Rosario, who in Puerto Rico was also known as El Palo, El Tronco and El Bate, had reached a confidential plea bargain with the prosecution. He was believed to be Ayala’s supplier of drugs in Puerto Rico.

When asked whether the Dominican convict collaborated with federal authorities, prosecutor Max Pérez Boüret said he couldn’t comment

While in custody in the Dominican Republic prior to extradition however, del Rosario denied the charges, as well as his alias, or of having any knowledge of Figueroa Agosto.