Alex Wellman Castro Frias, 51, a Dominican citizen who had been residing in Philadelphia, was sentenced Thursday to over six and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation based in the city, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced.
Castro Frias was part of the Ortiz drug trafficking organization (DTO), where he worked as a “bagger,” packaging thousands of fentanyl doses mixed with xylazine for distribution throughout Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. According to court documents, the operation involved a large volume of drugs, leading to severe public health concerns across the region.
In August 2023, Castro Frias was charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute. During an FBI search of a DTO-controlled house, agents found over six kilograms of fentanyl at a bagging station, underscoring the extensive scale of the operation.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf emphasized the devastating impact of the drugs, especially the fentanyl and xylazine combination, which has caused horrific injuries, including amputations and deaths.
Castro Frias pleaded guilty to both charges in April 2024, acknowledging his role in funneling the dangerous substances onto the streets. His sentencing highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and address the opioid epidemic.
