Four individuals from Brazil have been arrested in Framingham for allegedly importing and distributing illegal prescription drugs. The suspects, Douglas Reis de Souza, Dekny Marcos de Carvaleho Reis, Dekmara de Carvalho Reis, and Wandiscleia Ferreira de Souza Guimaraes, are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. They were apprehended and appeared in federal court in Boston.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated, "For years, these defendants allegedly exploited a community’s trust to peddle black-market prescription drugs under the guide of legitimacy." She urged anyone affected by the scheme to report it to law enforcement.
Stephen Belleau of the DEA emphasized compliance with regulations: "The DEA is committed to ensuring that anyone prescribing and selling prescription medication is a registrant and they are in compliance with the required regulations."
Ketty Larco-Ward from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service highlighted the risks involved: "The illegal and improper dispensing of prescription drugs...is a deadly combination."
Reis de Souza is accused of posing as a legitimate pharmacist within the Portuguese-speaking community under the name “Droga Reis.” His operation allegedly included importing pharmaceutical-grade drugs from Brazil. Investigators seized 24 packages containing illegal substances sent from Brazil during an investigation that began in October 2023.
Reis de Souza reportedly employed his co-defendants to assist in processing orders for controlled substances like Codeine, Tramadol, Clonazepam, and Morphine. A search revealed an area used as a makeshift doctor's office where large quantities of drugs were found.
None of the accused had licenses to dispense these medications. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $1 million. Deportation may follow any sentence served.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, which targets illegal immigration and criminal organizations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich is handling prosecution efforts.
The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
