Hazleton Man Receives Two-Decade Sentence for Major Drug Trafficking Operation

SCRANTON, PA – Hector Alvarez, a 37-year-old resident of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a significant drug trafficking conspiracy. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the sentencing, which was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion. Alvarez was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute substantial quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

The investigation, which led to Alvarez’s apprehension and conviction, began on February 3, 2022. Law enforcement officials observed Alvarez departing a residence in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, carrying a grocery bag. As officers followed Alvarez, they witnessed him discard the bag into a garbage can from his moving vehicle. Upon retrieving the bag, authorities discovered empty vacuum-sealed packaging that is commonly used for kilogram quantities of methamphetamine. Attempts to initiate a traffic stop were initially unsuccessful as Alvarez evaded law enforcement and proceeded to his residence on McKinley Street in Hazleton. Following a brief foot pursuit after fleeing his vehicle, Alvarez was apprehended by police. During his flight, he discarded a box that was later found to contain 600 glassine packets of fentanyl. Further investigation revealed additional glassine packets of fentanyl, marked with identical symbols, within Alvarez’s vehicle. A subsequent search of the Hazle Township residence uncovered an extensive cache of illegal substances: 26 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 90 grams of fentanyl, and 37 grams of crack cocaine.

This case was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Hazleton City Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus.

Alvarez’s sentencing is part of broader federal initiatives aimed at curbing drug-related crime. The case was prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to foster cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety. This initiative emphasizes building trust, supporting community-based violence prevention efforts, implementing focused enforcement strategies, and measuring outcomes. Additionally, this prosecution falls under a district-wide initiative specifically targeting the ongoing opioid epidemic. This concerted effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies aims to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in heroin and fentanyl trafficking within the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

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