Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, Fentanyl Trafficking, New Hampshire 2025

A Dominican Republic national was taken down by law enforcement in Manchester, New Hampshire, for allegedly trafficking fentanyl and crack cocaine in the city.

The suspect, Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, 39, a Dominican Republic national unlawfully residing in Dorchester, Massachusetts, was arrested on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, namely fentanyl and crack cocaine. He appeared in federal court today and was detained.

According to the charging document and statements made in court, on June 30, 2025, the Manchester Police Department observed the defendant driving around the city in a car that was known to law enforcement as being involved in narcotics distribution.

A narcotics-detecting K-9 positively alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the car. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found inside a “hide” in the center console approximately 114 grams of suspected fentanyl and 13 grams of suspected crack cocaine, all in pre-packaged baggies. Also inside the hide was approximately $1,500.

The defendant had approximately 45 grams of suspected fentanyl and 37 grams of suspected crack cocaine on him, all in pre-packaged baggies. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 119 pre-packaged baggies of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine.

Possession with intent to distribute carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least three years and up to life.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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