Twenty-five individuals have been charged in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Authorities seized over 2.3 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, 300 grams of cocaine, six firearms, and approximately $400,000 during the investigation.
"Communities across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are safer today because of this takedown that dismantled a sophisticated and large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in plain sight," said United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. "We allege that these defendants exploited addiction for personal profit and with full knowledge that the drugs they were peddling could be lethal."
Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division stated, "Fentanyl and cocaine are causing tremendous damage to our communities. Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of Massachusetts."
The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine: Yulial Cuello-Reynoso (33), Yordania Abel Rivera (33), Jorge Vizcaino Vizcaino (24), Rafael Concepcion (34), Alinson Joel Ortiz Arias (32), Axel Brea Baez (25), Denly Soto-Tejeda (25), Yeiron Vizcaino Vizcaino (28), Alberto Gonzalez (36), Luis Guerrero (25), Mariela Cuello Reynoso (30), Elisbania Tejeda-Soto (25), Rubert Adrian Jimenez (24), Adrian Suncar-Gonzalez (38), Johangel Mejia-Hernandez (22), Francisco Tavarez Contreras (43), Santo Franco-Sanchez (42), Carlos Abel Rivera (34) from North Smithfield, R.I., and Anthony Cuoco from Barnstable.
In March 2022, law enforcement began investigating a large-scale drug dispatch service around Boston. Undercover purchases and intercepted communications allegedly showed distribution throughout eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island led by Yulial Cuello-Reynoso.
The charge provides for up to 20 years in prison, at least three years supervised release, or up to life imprisonment along with fines up to $1 million. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations using a multi-agency approach.
U.S. Attorney Levy announced alongside DEA Acting SAC Belleau; Michael Cox from the Boston Police Department; supported by multiple state agencies including Massachusetts State Police; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations among others. Assistant U.S Attorney Katherine Ferguson is prosecuting this case.
These details are allegations as all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.