A Dominican Republic citizen formerly residing in Massachusetts pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking charges related to operations in New Hampshire, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
Juan Carlos De Los Santos Romero admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distributing methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 10, 2026.
Court documents and statements revealed that De Los Santos Romero was part of a Methuen-based drug trafficking organization that distributed significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the seacoast area of New Hampshire. The group conducted ten controlled sales involving these drugs with undercover officers between late 2023 and early 2024. Four other members—Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos, Eddy Mendez Carmona, and Luis Guerrero Cabral—have also entered guilty pleas.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with support from local police departments in Seabrook, Hampton, Portsmouth, Methuen, and the New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhancing community safety by targeting violent crime perpetrators.
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