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HOLBROOK MAN SENTENCED TO 53 YEARS IN PRISON FOR OPERATING AS A MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKER
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Russell Defreitas, a 55-year-old from Holbrook, was sentenced to 53 years in prison after being convicted on 92 charges related to a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking operation in Suffolk County, which resulted in two overdose deaths. The investigation showed he was part of a trafficking organization that used firearms to protect their drugs. Notably, in 2023, Defreitas directed associates not to call 911 after an overdose in a hotel room, and later allowed emergency calls only after both overdose victims had died. He was arrested in March 2023, found with drugs, firearms, and victim bank cards. During trial, he lied under oath about his activities. His convictions include operating as a major trafficker, multiple drug sale and possession counts, weapons charges, perjury, and evidence tampering. He was sentenced to 53 years in April 2025, and the case highlights calls for stronger legislation, like Chelsey’s Law, to better address drug-related deaths.
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