The Chicago-based leader of an international drug ring is convicted

CHICAGO – The head of the Chicago branch of an international drug trafficking ring was sentenced last week.

Antonio Carrazco-Martinez, 43, headed the Chicago side of a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization allegedly run by Pablo Anibal Vazquez-Duante.

Between 2016 and 2017, Carrazco-Martinez worked with other members of the group to transport large quantities of cocaine and heroin from Mexico to the Chicago area. Carrazco-Martinez oversaw the receipt of the drugs, the operation of a warehouse, the distribution of the narcotics to local customers and the repatriation of the drug proceeds to Mexico.

Last year, a federal jury in Chicago found him guilty of drug trafficking. On September 26, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Carrazco-Martinez was one of nine people convicted as part of the investigation. According to authorities, three other people, including Vazquez-Duarte, are refugees believed to be living in Mexico.