The Rise and Fall of Drug Kingpin: Alberto Geddis Martinez

Alpo Martinez, commonly known as “Alpo,” was one of the most notorious drug kingpins in the US, especially in Harlem. Martinez rose to fame in the 1980s but fell from crime and betrayal. This page details his life, crimes, and legacy.

Early Life and Background

Alberto Geddis Martinez, a Puerto Rican, was born in East Harlem on June 8, 1966. Martinez immediately became entangled in illegal activities due to his upbringing in a drug-trafficked milieu. He was a prominent drug dealer in Harlem by his early 20s.

Key Facts About Martinez:

The Harlem Drug Scene and Rise to Power

Alberto Martinez capitalized on Harlem’s cocaine trafficking boom in the mid-1980s. He teamed up with drug lords Azie Faison and Rich Porter to come to prominence. The three conducted one of New York’s most successful cocaine businesses, selling millions.

Relationship with Rich Porter

Martinez’s criminal life was shaped by his relationship with Harlem drug dealer Rich Porter. Unfortunately, this cooperation deteriorated. Martinez then confessed to murdering Rich Porter, a treachery that is still remembered in New York’s criminal history.

The Washington, D.C. Drug Trade

Alberto Martinez expanded to Washington, D.C., in the late 1980s and dominated the drug trade. He was one of the most feared and respected characters in the industry due to his ruthlessness and ability to dodge government enforcement. His growth also drew government notice.

Arrest and Cooperation with Law Enforcement

Martinez’s criminal empire terminated in 1991 when federal investigators arrested him. He was arrested on November 6, 1991, for murder, conspiracy, and narcotics crimes.

Alberto Martinez controversially cooperated with federal investigators to avoid a life sentence. He turned over vital information about criminal networks, including his own. His evidence helped convict several drug traffickers and criminals, ruining his image.

Key Criminal Charges:

Life in Witness Protection

Martinez was placed in witness protection after cooperating with investigators. Under the identity Abraham G. Rodriquez, he moved to Lewiston, Maine, to live discreetly. Martinez regularly visited Harlem to reconnect with his past lifestyle despite his efforts to stay incognito.

Return to Harlem

Martinez’s return to Harlem, his rise and fall, was shocking and hazardous. Although an informant, he was often seen driving fancy automobiles and hanging out with hip-hop producers and musicians. This recklessness brought him down.

Death in 2021

In a Harlem drive-by shooting on October 31, 2021, Alberto Geddis Martinez was slain. His death occurred at 55 years old. Initial reports believed his death was related to his background as a government informant, but further investigations showed a road rage incident.

Key Details of His Death:

Pop Culture Legacy

Alpo Martinez’s criminal exploits were immortalized in the 2002 movie Paid in Full, where rapper Cam’ron portrayed the character Rico, based on Martinez. The film chronicled his rise in the drug trade, the betrayal of Rich Porter, and the internal struggles within Harlem’s drug underworld. Martinez is also referenced in numerous hip-hop songs, including 50 Cent’s “Ghetto Qu’ran.”

Popperazzi Po – The Son of Alpo Martinez

Martinez’s son, Popperazzi Po, has also gained some attention, particularly within the hip-hop community. Although he has distanced himself from his father’s criminal past, the association with Alberto Martinez continues to follow him.

Conclusion

One of Harlem’s most infamous drug dealers was Alberto Geddis Martinez. His journey from the streets to the top of the cocaine trade, his spectacular collapse, and his collaboration with the police tell a narrative of crime, treachery, and redemption. Martinez’s life is depicted in film and songs despite his 2021 death.

Despite his best efforts, his history haunted him, leading to his brutal death on the same streets where he previously ruled.