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Leader of Maple Avenue Narcotics Network Oversaw Violent Distribution of Crack and Fentanyl
HARTFORD, Conn. — Daniel Diaz-Rivera, also known as “Danny,” “Lupin,” “Lupito,” and “L,” was sentenced today to 210 months (17.5 years) in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for leading a significant drug trafficking organization in Waterbury. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut, who credited extensive interagency cooperation for dismantling the network.
Organized Drug Distribution and Criminal Activity
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Diaz-Rivera, 33, operated a drug trafficking network centered around Maple Avenue in Waterbury, distributing crack cocaine and fentanyl around the clock from a bodega. He directed a hierarchical structure with multiple “shift bosses” and street-level sellers.
The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force, along with several state and local partners, launched a coordinated investigation into two overlapping Waterbury-based drug enterprises. One group was led by Diaz-Rivera; the other, operating in the William Street area, was headed by Angel Quiros (aka “Papa John”). The two groups shared narcotics sources and collaborated to expand their operations.
The investigation employed court-authorized wiretaps, GPS tracking, video surveillance, and controlled drug purchases. Law enforcement conducted two controlled buys of crack cocaine directly from Diaz-Rivera. He was also found to have used intimidation and violence to maintain control of his distribution network.
Arrests and Seizures
Diaz-Rivera was arrested on November 29, 2023, along with Quiros and 15 additional individuals. During the coordinated law enforcement operation, investigators executed multiple search warrants and recovered:
- Approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine
- More than 900 packaged vials of crack
- Roughly 200 grams of loose fentanyl
- Over 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin
- Two stolen firearms and ammunition
- More than $39,000 in cash, including $13,000 from Diaz-Rivera’s vehicle
Diaz-Rivera pleaded guilty on January 24, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He has been in federal custody since his arrest. His co-conspirator, Angel Quiros, pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 11, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes members from:
- FBI
- Waterbury Police Department
- Naugatuck Police Department
- Connecticut Department of Correction
Additional support was provided by the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, and the Wolcott and Meriden Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program, which focuses on disrupting major drug trafficking operations. More information on the program is available at justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan expressed gratitude to the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation and support throughout the investigation and prosecution.
