A brazen fentanyl trafficking operation in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been dismantled, resulting in a five-year prison sentence for the ringleader, Raynerson Marcos De La Paz Matos. According to court documents, De La Paz Matos, 31, led a sophisticated organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the city, amassing over $200,000 in cash and jewelry from the illicit enterprise.
De La Paz Matos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. His sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty on February 21, 2024, comes after a lengthy investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department.
Law enforcement officials revealed that De La Paz Matos and his associates conducted numerous controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Manchester. On September 11, 2024, authorities executed search warrants at two residences linked to De La Paz Matos, uncovering over 1,600 grams of fentanyl, 480 grams of cocaine, and $4,675 in drug proceeds at one location, as well as $54,370 in drug proceeds and assorted jewelry valued at $161,675 at the other.
U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan emphasized the significance of De La Paz Matos’ sentence, stating, ‘This defendant led a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Manchester and amassed over $200,000 in cash and jewelry from the criminal enterprise.’ Creegan vowed that her office will continue working with law enforcement to protect New Hampshire communities from those who profit from addiction.
Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget added, ‘This case highlights the relentless pursuit of those who profit from poisoning our communities.’ The sentence sends a clear message: those who traffic deadly drugs and exploit others for profit will be brought to justice.
De La Paz Matos is currently serving a five-year sentence in federal prison, along with one year of supervised release. The investigation and prosecution of this case are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from perpetrators of violent crime.
The exact criminal charges against De La Paz Matos were conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. The city and state are Manchester, New Hampshire. The exact date of De La Paz Matos’ sentencing was February 21, 2024. He is set to serve a five-year prison sentence and one year of supervised release. The total profits from his operation were over $200,000 in cash and jewelry.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl trafficking on communities nationwide. The efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors like U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan are crucial in bringing perpetrators to justice and combating the opioid epidemic.
Related Federal Cases
- Michael Danzey, Fentanyl Cocaine Trafficking, New York 2023 · New Hampshire
- Juan Alexis Diaz Pena, Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking, NH, 2023 · New Hampshire
- Vimoon Sortsoy, Counterfeit Methamphetamine Pills, Massachusetts 2021 · New Hampshire
- Letitia James, Opioid Trafficking, New York 2022 · New York
- Linda Sun, Drug Trafficking, New York NY, 2023 · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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