A large-scale drug trafficking operation in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island has resulted in charges against 25 individuals involved in the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the operation led to the seizure of over 2.3 kilograms of fentanyl, 300 grams of cocaine, 12 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, six firearms, and approximately $400,000 in cash.
The investigation, which began in March 2022, was allegedly led by Yulial Cuello-Reynoso, 33, of Leominster. Cuello-Reynoso is accused of managing a drug distribution network that included operating a drug order hotline, employing distributors, and overseeing stash houses where narcotics were stored, processed, and distributed.
The criminal organization reportedly generated up to $20,000 per day in revenue, utilizing a color-coded system to differentiate between different types of drugs. Law enforcement officials revealed that the drugs were often concealed in socks inside car engine compartments to evade detection. Additionally, intercepted communications between suspects revealed alarming comments, including one where Tejeda-Soto allegedly stated, “Those people like the stuff that kills them,” referring to fentanyl.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and cocaine are considered two of the most dangerous illicit drugs contributing to rising overdose deaths in communities across the U.S. The scale of the operation and the involvement of a large network of individuals demonstrates the significant challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking.
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine:
Yulial Cuello-Reynoso, 33, of Leominster
Yordania Abel Rivera, 33, of Leominster
Jorge Vizcaino Vizcaino a/k/a “Jason,” 24, of Boston
Rafael Concepcion, 34, of Boston
Alinson Joel Ortiz Arias, 32, of Boston
Axel Brea Baez, 25, of Boston
Denly Soto-Tejeda, 25, of Manchester, N.H.
Yeiron Vizcaino Vizcaino, 28, of Boston
Alberto Gonzalez, 36, of Boston
Luis Guerrero, 25, of Lawrence
Mariela Cuello-Reynoso, 30, of Boston
Elisbania Tejeda-Soto, 25, of Boston
Rubert Adrian Jimenez, 24, of Boston
Adrian Suncar-Gonzalez, 38, of Boston
Johangel Mejia-Hernandez, 22, of Boston
Francisco Tavarez Contreras, 43, of Boston
Santo Franco-Sanchez, 42, of Brookline
Carlos Abel Rivera, 34, of North Smithfield, R.I.
Anthony Cuoco, 43, of Barnstable
Six individuals remain at large, and their identities are under seal.
The operation highlights ongoing concerns about the rampant distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in communities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding those involved in drug trafficking accountable for their actions.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emphasized the significant harm caused by fentanyl and cocaine distribution, stating, “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of Massachusetts.”
