Brockton Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

BOSTON - A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing multiple kilograms of narcotics intended for distribution as well as a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device.

Zairi Andrade, a/k/a "Z-Money," 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy to eight years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In June 2025, Andrade pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On Dec. 3, 2024, Andrade's residence was one of four locations searched pursuant to an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Brockton. It was determined that Andrade's bedroom was being used as a stash location for a drug trafficking organization. In Andrade's bedroom, over two kilograms of fentanyl and nearly two kilograms of cocaine, as well as a 9-millimeter Glock 17 handgun equipped with an apparent machinegun conversion device, laser sight and an extended magazine were located. A 50-round drum-style magazine, a second extended magazine, numerous rounds of ammunition, and various items associated with the mixing and packaging of narcotics were also located.

In May 2025, Tavares pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogue. Tavares's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2025.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.