United States Attorney David Metcalf has announced the sentencing of Alex Wellman Castro Frias, a 51-year-old Dominican citizen residing in Philadelphia. United States District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond sentenced Castro Frias to 80 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for his involvement as a "bagger" in a Philadelphia-based drug trafficking organization.
In August 2023, Castro Frias was charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He pleaded guilty to both charges in April of last year.
Court documents reveal that Castro Frias and others in the Ortiz drug trafficking organization were involved in packaging large quantities of fentanyl mixed with xylazine for distribution in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. A search by the FBI uncovered over six kilograms of fentanyl at a house used by the organization.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated, "As a member of this DTO, Castro Frias played an active role in funneling fentanyl cut with xylazine onto the streets of Philadelphia and beyond." He highlighted the severe physical harm caused by these drugs and affirmed his office's commitment to prosecuting those contributing to the city's drug crisis. After serving his sentence, Castro Frias will be deported to his home country due to his illegal status.
The case was investigated by the FBI under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell.