A Dominican Republic national has been apprehended in connection with a drug trafficking operation based in Massachusetts. The arrest was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
Cesar Joel Perez Mejia, 30, who was residing unlawfully in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to appear in federal court at 4:30 pm today.
Court documents and statements reveal that on June 23, 2025, Perez Mejia facilitated a drug transaction with an undercover officer. During the operation, law enforcement discovered approximately 57 grams of suspected fentanyl and 43 grams of suspected crack cocaine in his vehicle.
The charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, a maximum fine of $1 million, and supervised release ranging from three years to life.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. Assistance came from DEA New England, HSI New England, and several local police departments including those from Boston and Providence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shannon and Heather Cherniske are handling the prosecution.
This arrest is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations through resources provided by the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
It is important to note that the allegations against Perez Mejia remain unproven until he is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
