A Dominican Republic national has been arrested in Manchester on charges related to drug trafficking, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, 39, who was unlawfully residing in Dorchester, Massachusetts, faces one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances including fentanyl and crack cocaine.
The arrest followed observations made by the Manchester Police Department on June 30, 2025. Officers noted the defendant driving a vehicle associated with narcotics distribution. A subsequent traffic stop led to a K-9 unit detecting narcotics odor from the car. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately 114 grams of suspected fentanyl and 13 grams of suspected crack cocaine hidden in the center console alongside $1,500 in cash. Vittini also had around 45 grams of suspected fentanyl and 37 grams of suspected crack cocaine on his person.
In total, authorities recovered about 119 pre-packaged baggies containing suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine. The charge carries severe penalties including a maximum prison term of 20 years and fines up to $1 million.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force in collaboration with the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is handling prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
As per legal standards, all details within charging documents are considered allegations until proven otherwise in court.
