A New York City resident has been apprehended and charged with distributing large quantities of fentanyl in the Boston area, allegedly transported from New York. Cesar Nunez Lopez, aged 42, faces three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lopez was taken into custody on December 13, 2024, and agreed to voluntary detention following his initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
The charging documents indicate that Lopez was identified as a fentanyl trafficker in November 2024. On November 15, he reportedly distributed 99.4 grams of fentanyl concealed in a black sock at a supermarket parking lot in the greater Boston area. Additionally, it is alleged that on November 25, Lopez distributed around 500 grams of suspected fentanyl at another store parking lot in Watertown.
On December 13, authorities claim that Lopez traveled from New York to Watertown where he distributed approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl inside a shopping bag.
The charges carry potential penalties including up to 20 years imprisonment, supervised release ranging from three years to life, and fines up to $1 million. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes governing criminal case sentencing.
United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Field Office announced the arrest. The Watertown and Waltham Police Departments provided significant assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Hassink from the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is handling prosecution.
This investigation was spearheaded by members of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Boston Strike Force which targets high-level criminal organizations using an intelligence-driven approach involving multiple agencies.
It is important to note that these details are allegations contained within charging documents; the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.