LYNN — A federal grand jury in Boston has charged six people for their alleged involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that transported narcotics from California to Massachusetts, according to court documents.
Prosecutors say the group coordinated the shipment of hundreds of parcels containing significant quantities of illegal drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, using a commercial delivery service. Authorities allege that more than 260 packages were sent from California to multiple addresses across Massachusetts as part of the scheme.
Among those charged is Edwal Vargas, 34, of Swampscott, who faces multiple counts, including drug trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Yanivel Gomez, 31, of Peabody, is also accused of participating in both the drug distribution conspiracy and related financial crimes.
George Salvatore Landingham, 33, of North Andover, has been charged with drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute substantial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Stephanie Tejeda,33, of Hudson, New Hampshire, is facing a charge tied to alleged money laundering activities connected to the operation.
Tyrone Shepard, 41, of Chestnut Hill, and Gustavo Tavaras, 44, of Studio City, California, are also among those indicted. Shepard is charged with drug conspiracy, while Tavares faces allegations of both drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.
Investigators report that several of the shipped packages were intercepted during the probe. Those seized parcels allegedly contained roughly 12 kilograms of cocaine and about one kilogram of fentanyl.
If convicted, the defendants could face significant penalties. Drug trafficking conspiracy and major possession charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison, along with supervised release and fines that can reach up to $10 million.
The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years behind bars, in addition to financial penalties.
Any sentence will ultimately be determined by a federal judge, who will weigh statutory requirements and federal sentencing guidelines in deciding the outcome of the case.
