Dominican Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Leading Drug Trafficking Organization that Amassed Over $200,000 in Profits

Dominican Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Leading Drug Trafficking Organization that Amassed Over $200,000 in Profits

CONCORD - Dominican national Raynerson Marcos De La Paz Matos, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty to five years in federal prison and one year of supervised release, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. De La Paz Matos previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

"This defendant led a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Manchester and amassed over $200,000 in cash and jewelry from the criminal enterprise," said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. "Yesterday's sentence holds him accountable. My office will continue working with law enforcement to protect New Hampshire communities from those who earn money from addiction."

"This case highlights the relentless pursuit of those who profit from poisoning our communities," said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. "This defendant led a sophisticated drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing dangerous quantities of fentanyl and cocaine-substances that continue to devastate families across our nation. This sentence sends a clear message: those who traffic deadly drugs and exploit others for profit will be brought to justice."

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions in 2024, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of various quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine from the defendant and two others working for him as "runners" in Manchester. Following these transactions, on September 11, 2024, law enforcement conducted operations against the defendant and his two residences on Cilley Road and Dubuque Street in Manchester. The search of the Cilley Road residence yielded over 1,600 grams of fentanyl, 480 grams of cocaine, and $4,675 in drug proceeds, and the search of the Dubuque Street residence yielded $54,370 in drug proceeds and assorted jewelry with an estimated value of $161,675.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.

This effort 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.