Eight individuals have been indicted in connection with drug trafficking operations based in Massachusetts, which allegedly distributed illegal narcotics in Manchester. One of the defendants also faces charges for unlawful reentry into the United States after a previous deportation, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
On June 18, 2025, law enforcement officials arrested six defendants on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. Additionally, one defendant was charged with unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
The indicted and arrested individuals are Ariel Lara Aguasviva, 35, from South Attleboro, MA; Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman, 49, from Methuen, MA; Jarlin Soto Jimenez, 29, from Lynn, MA; Robert Alexis Pena Lara, 25, from Providence, RI; Edwin Manuel Mejia Mejia, 43, from Dorchester, MA; and Carlo De Los Santos Ruiz, 28, from Dorchester, MA. All are currently in federal custody.
Charging documents allege that between November 20, 2023 and May 7, 2025 the defendants conspired to distribute controlled substances knowingly and intentionally. Furthermore “Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman,” a national of the Dominican Republic unlawfully residing in Methuen who was previously deported on November 19th of “2007,” is charged with one count of unlawful reentry.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Crimes Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. Additional support came from DEA New England and HSI New England as well as police departments in Boston Attleboro Methuen Lynn and Providence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske are prosecuting this case.
This initiative is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at countering illegal immigration eliminating cartels transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) while protecting communities against violent crime perpetrators through resources pooled by OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
“The details contained in the charging documents are allegations.” The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
