Four individuals from Brazil, currently residing in Framingham, have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in a scheme to import and distribute controlled substances and misbranded drugs from Brazil within the Framingham area.
Douglas Reis de Souza, Dekny Marcos de Carvaleho Reis, Dekmara de Carvalho Reis, and Wandiscleia Ferreira de Souza Guimaraes face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They were detained following their initial court appearances in Boston, with a hearing set for March 13, 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the situation: “For years, these defendants allegedly exploited a community’s trust to peddle black-market prescription drugs under the guide of legitimacy. They entered our country illegally and put countless individuals’ health and safety in danger, all for profit.”
Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration emphasized compliance with regulations: “The DEA is committed to ensuring that anyone prescribing and selling prescription medication is a registrant and they are in compliance with the required regulations.”
Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated: “Prescription drugs play a vital role allowing individuals to control symptoms, treat illnesses, and improve overall health. The illegal and improper dispensing of prescription drugs to vulnerable individuals without the concurrence from a medical professional or a licensed pharmacist is a deadly combination.”
Reis de Souza reportedly operated under the guise of "Droga Reis," presenting himself as a legitimate pharmacist within the Portuguese-speaking community. Allegedly, he imported pharmaceutical-grade drugs from Brazil and distributed them locally. Authorities seized 24 packages containing illegally imported substances during an investigation initiated in October 2023.
Reis de Souza allegedly employed his co-defendants to process orders for controlled substances. The operation reportedly distributed various narcotics through mail orders or direct sales.
A search warrant executed at an apartment used by Reis de Souza revealed evidence suggesting it functioned as an unauthorized medical office.
The charge carries potential penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, fines up to $1 million, supervised release periods ranging from three years to life, and deportation post-sentence completion.
U.S. Attorney Foley announced this development alongside DEA Acting SAC Belleau and USPIS INC Larco-Ward. Assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations; Customs and Border Protection; and the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich will prosecute.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, focusing on combating illegal immigration and transnational crime.
All allegations are unproven until verified in court.