A man from the Dominican Republic has pleaded guilty in federal court for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and cocaine in Manchester, New Hampshire, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Erin Creegan.
Raynerson Marcos De La Paz Matos, 29, admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Sentencing is set for December 2, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty.
Court documents show that law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine from the organization on ten occasions. These transactions led to the seizure of more than 350 grams of fentanyl, over 40 grams of cocaine, and more than 25 grams of crack cocaine. On September 11, 2024, authorities searched two residences on Cilley Road and Dubuque Street in Manchester. The search at Cilley Road resulted in the confiscation of over 1,600 grams of fentanyl, more than 480 grams of cocaine, and $4,675 in drug proceeds. At Dubuque Street, officers found $54,370 in drug proceeds and jewelry valued at approximately $161,675.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment. It also includes at least five years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $10 million. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge following U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation,” according to the press release. “Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.”
“This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” stated officials in their announcement. “Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
