Yohenry Contreras-Lara, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2024

Fentanyl Conspiracy Rocks New Bedford

Two New Bedford men, Yohenry Contreras-Lara, 29, and Vinicio DeJesus Marrero Arias, 39, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged roles in a fentanyl conspiracy. According to court filings, Contreras-Lara allegedly misused the identity of a U.S. citizen and posed as that citizen for several years.

The investigation, which began into fentanyl trafficking in and around the Lord Phillips Apartments in New Bedford, revealed that Contreras-Lara and Arias were identified as fentanyl distributors in the area. A search of their residences, as well as an apartment used as a stash location and two storage units, resulted in the recovery of more than 800 grams of fentanyl and $1.2 million in suspected drug proceeds.

The indictment charges Contreras-Lara with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, one count of misuse of a social security number, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Arias is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated, ‘Fentanyl is devastating communities across Massachusetts. We will continue to partner with local police departments like the New Bedford Police Department and the Bristol County DA’s office to combat the distribution of this deadly drug on our streets.’

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to life years in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of misuse of a social security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a sentence of two years to be served consecutively with any other sentence, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Contreras-Lara allegedly entered the United States in 2002 on a tourist visa and purchased the identity of a U.S. citizen. He then applied for two Massachusetts drivers’ licenses under an identity that was not his in 2022. The investigation into fentanyl trafficking in New Bedford led to the recovery of a significant amount of fentanyl and cash.

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