Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 2.5 Kilograms of Fentanyl and Possessing with Intent to Distribute 1.2 Kilograms of Cocaine

Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 2.5 Kilograms of Fentanyl and Possessing with Intent to Distribute 1.2 Kilograms of Cocaine

CONCORD - A Manchester resident pleaded guilty today to distributing over 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Xavier Santana, 22, pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing at least 400 grams of fentanyl, three counts of distributing at least 50 grams of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for August 31^st, 2026.

According to the record, in late 2024 law enforcement learned that the defendant was selling drugs. Between January and May 2025, an undercover officer engaged in seven controlled purchases of fentanyl from Santana totaling over 2.5 kilograms. The quantities of fentanyl purchased each time ranged from 91 grams to a half kilogram. In July 2025, law enforcement searched the defendant's residence and found over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine in Santana's bedroom.

The charge of distribution of at least 400 grams of fentanyl provides a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The charge of distribution of at least 50 grams of fentanyl provides a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine provides a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The FBI led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar A. Vega and Alexander S. Chen are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).