Orlando man convicted of heroin importation

ORLANDO, Fla. - A federal jury on Wednesday found Hector Almedina, 25 of Orlando, guilty of conspiracy to import heroin, importation of heroin, conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation.

Almedina faces a minimum of five years up to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12.

Almedina was indicted on May 28.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 24, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Miami intercepted a package from Colombia that contained 485 grams of heroin. The package was addressed to Almedina at his residence in Orlando. On Feb. 25, an undercover officer delivered the package to Almedina at his residence.

Minutes later, Almedina left his residence with the package to deliver it to another conspirator, Victor Manuel Salgado.

Almedina was arrested by federal agents. He then agreed to cooperate with law enforcement, and he delivered the package to Salgado, who was then arrested.

Salgado pled guilty to conspiracy to import heroin on April 26. Salgado's sentencing is set for Aug. 12. He also faces a minimum of five years up to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg.