Eight individuals have been indicted in connection with drug trafficking operations based in Massachusetts, distributing illegal narcotics in Manchester. One of these individuals was also charged with unlawful reentry into the United States following deportation, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
On June 18, 2025, law enforcement arrested six defendants on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. Additionally, one defendant faced a charge of unlawful reentry after deportation.
The defendants include Ariel Lara Aguasviva, Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman, Jarlin Soto Jimenez, Robert Alexis Pena Lara, Edwin Manuel Mejia Mejia, and Carlo De Los Santos Ruiz. All are currently in federal custody.
Charging documents reveal that between November 20, 2023, and May 7, 2025, the accused conspired to distribute controlled substances. Furthermore, Victor Manuel Mejia Guzman from the Dominican Republic was found unlawfully residing in Methuen after being previously deported on November 19, 2007.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Crimes Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. The DEA New England and HSI New England also provided assistance along with several local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske are handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). It utilizes resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
It is important to note that all details contained in the charging documents are allegations at this stage. The defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
