NORFOLK, VA — A months-long drug investigation ended with a five-year prison sentence for a Norfolk man caught with more than 800 grams of cocaine, five pounds of marijuana, and a loaded handgun with an extended magazine inside his home.
On Monday, 22-year-old Yadiel Jose Cortes-Landro pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges tied to drug trafficking and firearm possession. The charges followed a September 2024 raid on his residence by Norfolk Police, who had been quietly monitoring his home for several months based on a tip about illegal drug sales.
When investigators executed the search warrant on September 25, they found cocaine packaged for distribution, large quantities of marijuana, packaging materials, and $62,622 in cash — all pointing to a substantial drug operation. Also seized was a handgun outfitted with an extended magazine. Cortes-Landro was arrested at the scene.
Under the terms of his plea deal, Cortes-Landro will serve five years behind bars, with an additional nine years suspended. He must maintain good behavior while in custody and for 10 years after his release. Judge Jamilah D. LeCruise accepted the agreement and handed down the sentence Monday.
“There are people who sell small quantities of drugs to support their own addictions, and then there are people like Mr. Cortes-Landro,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi, pointing to the sheer volume of cocaine and cash seized. “We will continue to offer treatment and diversion to those struggling with addiction, but when someone brings this level of danger into our community, we seek accountability.”
Fatehi also noted the increased threat posed by firearms in drug cases, particularly guns equipped with extended magazines, which can escalate violence and put both police and the public at greater risk.