Raynerson Marcos De La Paz Matos, a 31-year-old Dominican national, was sentenced on April 15 to five years in federal prison and one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty, according to United States Attorney Erin Creegan.
The case is significant because it involved the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Manchester, with profits from the operation exceeding $200,000 in cash and jewelry. Authorities say such activities contribute directly to the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities across New Hampshire and beyond.
“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,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “Yesterday’s sentence holds him accountable. My office will continue working with law enforcement to protect New Hampshire communities from those who earn money from addiction.”
Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division said, “This case highlights the relentless pursuit of those who profit from poisoning our communities. This defendant led a sophisticated drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing dangerous quantities of fentanyl and cocaine—substances that continue to devastate families across our nation. This sentence sends a clear message: those who traffic deadly drugs and exploit others for profit will be brought to justice.”
Court documents show that law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of drugs from De La Paz Matos on several occasions in 2024 using two associates as runners. On September 11, police searched his two residences on Cilley Road and Dubuque Street in Manchester; they seized over 1,600 grams of fentanyl, 480 grams of cocaine, $4,675 at one location, $54,370 at another residence along with assorted jewelry valued at about $161,675.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Manchester Police Department; Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
