Norristown man sent to prison on gun and drug charges

NORRISTOWN — A Norristown man was sentenced to prison on gun and drug charges in connection with his fentanyl trafficking activities in the Norristown area.

Cadero T. Betancourt, 31, who listed addresses in the 1300 block of Arch Street and the 400 block of East Airy Street, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 4½ to 12 years in a state correctional institution after he pleaded guilty to felony charges of possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and persons not to possess firearms in connection with incidents that occurred in 2023.

Judge Thomas M. DelRicci imposed the sentence as part of a plea agreement.

Court documents indicate that Norristown detectives became aware of Betancourt while investigating fentanyl trafficking in the borough between September and November 2023. During the investigation, detectives conducted so-called controlled drug buy operations, during which informants purchased fentanyl from Betancourt while being monitored by law enforcement officers.

As a result of the controlled buys, detectives obtained warrants to search Betancourt’s vehicle and his East Airy Street residence.

During a Nov. 17, 2023, search of the residence, detectives seized a Glock 9mm handgun with a fully loaded magazine, a Springfield Armory .45-caliber handgun with a fully loaded magazine, a large amount of ammunition, a “clear knotted bag containing a bulk amount of suspected fentanyl,” eight “bundles” of clear bags containing fentanyl, a grinder and drug packaging materials, according to the criminal complaint.

Based on the amount of fentanyl and the unused packaging recovered from the residence, detectives alleged Betancourt possessed the fentanyl for trafficking. With the charges, detectives also alleged Betancourt had a prior drug conviction that prohibited him from possessing firearms.

In court documents, detectives alleged drug dealers commonly possess firearms which “are used to protect and secure a drug trafficker’s property.”

Under the terms of the plea agreement, the weapons seized from Betancourt’s residence were forfeited to the county district attorney’s office for destruction.

A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed against Betancourt as part of the plea agreement.