A Dominican Republic national was taken into custody for his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking operation based in Massachusetts. The organization is accused of distributing illegal narcotics in Manchester, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
Cesar Joel Perez Mejia, 30, who was unlawfully residing in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, faces one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to appear in federal court today at 4:30 p.m.
Court documents indicate that on June 23, 2025, Perez Mejia allegedly facilitated a drug transaction with an undercover officer. Upon his arrival at the predetermined location, law enforcement officials searched his vehicle and reportedly found small individually wrapped bags containing approximately 57 grams of suspected fentanyl and 43 grams of suspected crack cocaine.
The charge carries a potential maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a fine up to $1 million, and a supervised release term ranging from three years to life.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. Additional support came from DEA New England, HSI New England, as well as police departments in Boston, Attleboro, Methuen, Lynn, and Providence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske are handling the prosecution.
This arrest is part of Operation Take Back America. The initiative aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), while safeguarding communities from violent crime perpetrators. It consolidates efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
It should be noted that the allegations outlined in the charging documents have not been proven in court. Perez Mejia remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
