A Dominican Republic national has been arrested in Manchester on charges related to drug trafficking, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. Daris Rafael Melo Vittini, 39, who was residing unlawfully in Dorchester, Massachusetts, faces one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances including fentanyl and crack cocaine.
The arrest followed observations by the Manchester Police Department on June 30, 2025. Authorities noticed Vittini driving a vehicle known for involvement in narcotics distribution. A traffic stop led to a K-9 unit detecting narcotics odor from the car. A search revealed approximately 114 grams of suspected fentanyl and 13 grams of suspected crack cocaine hidden in the center console along with $1,500. Additionally, Vittini had about 45 grams of suspected fentanyl and 37 grams of suspected crack cocaine on his person.
In total, law enforcement recovered around 119 pre-packaged baggies containing suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine. The charge carries a potential maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a fine up to $1 million, and supervised release ranging from three years to life.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
It is important to note that these are allegations as per charging documents; Vittini is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
