Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

            CONCORD – Israel Perez, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in a seven-defendant narcotics case, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and September, 2018, Perez conspired with other persons to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl as part of a drug trafficking organization.  Investigators made controlled purchases of approximately 250 grams of fentanyl from Perez in Manchester between January and May of 2018.

            Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2019.     

            Co-defendants Samuel Ramos, Abelino Morales-Padilla, Billy Damuel Maldonado Cancel, Jose Hiram Martinez Rolon, and Karina Reyes previously pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges in the same case.                     .

            “Fentanyl traffickers make a lethal substance available for purchase in Manchester and other communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The results have been devastating. In order to stop the flow of fentanyl, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute traffickers.”

              “Today’s conviction is a positive step in the ongoing battle that we continue fight against the devastation that opioids have on our communities.” said Jason J. Molina Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. “HSI and our state and local partners with support from the U.S. Attorney’s office remain strongly committed to the fight against dealers of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that have harmed communities throughout New Hampshire.”

            This matter was investigated by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis.    

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