Cesar Altagracia Mateo Lara, Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2025

SCRANTON – In a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against the opioid epidemic, two men from Hazleton, Pennsylvania have been charged with fentanyl trafficking.

Cesar Altagracia Mateo Lara, 46, also known as Miguel Carrasquillo Apolinaris, and Luis Mercado-Alicea, 44, also known as Yensi Mateo, are accused of conspiring to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl between November 2024 and February 2025.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that the defendants distributed fentanyl and possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute it during the same time period.

The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was a collaborative effort between the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and the Hazleton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of a broader initiative, Operation Take Back America, aimed at tackling the nation’s heroin epidemic. The Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and involves a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The maximum penalty for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. However, it’s essential to note that indictments are only allegations, and all persons charged are presumed to be innocent until found guilty in court.

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