Newark, N.J. – The grimy streets of Newark witnessed a critical victory in the fight against organized crime as Ezequiel Brito, also known as ‘Jose Luis Portorreal Cruz,’ 40, was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl. The U.S. Attorney Alina Habba made the announcement.
Brito’s journey into the clutches of justice began on June 17, 2021, when he was first charged for conspiring to distribute and possessing over 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He managed a brief escape by absconding from pre-trial supervision and fleeing to the Dominican Republic later that year.
The defendant’s charges are severe, carrying life imprisonment, a decade behind bars, and a fine of up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division played a pivotal role in the investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz.
U.S. Attorney Habba commended the DEA agents and task force officers for their relentless pursuit, while acknowledging the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for securing Brito’s extradition. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) also contributed to this investigation, identifying and dismantling criminal organizations threatening the United States.
This case is a part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels, and protecting communities from violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly M. Lyons will represent the government in this case.
The charges against Brito are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Defense counsel for Brito is Michael Thomas, Esq., of Newark, New Jersey.
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Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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