Fentanyl and Cocaine trafficking Ring Member Pleads Guilty in New Hampshire
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Concord, NH – Raynerson marcos De La Paz Matos, a 29-year-old Dominican national, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a large-scale drug trafficking operation distributing fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire. The guilty plea was entered yesterday in U.S. District Court, with sentencing scheduled for December 2, 2025, according to United States Attorney erin creegan.
Details of the Investigation
Law enforcement officials conducted multiple purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine from the organization in Manchester, New Hampshire, over a period of time. Thes ten separate transactions resulted in the seizure of over 350 grams of fentanyl, more than 40 grams of cocaine, and over 25 grams of crack cocaine.
On September 11, 2024, authorities executed search warrants at two Manchester residences located on Cilley Road and Dubuque Street. The search of the Cilley Road property yielded a substantial amount of narcotics – more than 1,600 grams of fentanyl and over 480 grams of cocaine - along with $4,675 in cash. The Dubuque Street search uncovered $54,370 in cash and jewellery valued at an estimated $161,675.
Did You Know? The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine (DEA Fentanyl Facts).
Potential Penalties and Legal Framework
De la Paz Matos faces a minimum sentence of ten years and a potential life sentence in prison. He is also subject to at least five years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $10,000,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes. The guidelines aim to ensure consistency and proportionality in sentencing, as outlined in U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines.
| Substance | Amount Seized (Total) |
|---|---|
| Fentanyl | Over 1,950 grams |
| Cocaine | Over 520 grams |
| Crack Cocaine | Over 25 grams |
| Cash Seized | $59,045 |
| Jewelry Value | $161,675 |
Operation take Back America
This case is part of “Operation take Back america,” a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice. The operation focuses on combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. It streamlines resources from the Organized Crime Drug enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Pro Tip: Reporting suspected drug activity to local law enforcement is a crucial step in community safety.
What impact will initiatives like Operation Take Back America have on drug trafficking rates in New England? how can communities best support law enforcement efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis?
The investigation was led by the Drug enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A.Vega prosecuting the case.
The Escalating Fentanyl Crisis: A National Overview
The fentanyl crisis continues to be a major public health and safety concern across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC),synthetic opioids,primarily fentanyl,are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths (CDC Overdose data). The increasing potency and availability of fentanyl have dramatically increased the risk of overdose,even in small amounts. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chain and hold traffickers accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl Trafficking
- What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Why is fentanyl so dangerous? its high potency means even a tiny amount can cause a fatal overdose.
- What is Operation Take Back America? It’s a DOJ initiative to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations.
- What are the penalties for fentanyl trafficking? Penalties can range from 10 years to life in prison, plus substantial fines.
- How can I help prevent fentanyl overdoses? Learn about naloxone (Narcan) and how to administer it, and support community prevention programs.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowlege and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
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