ANGEL DELAROSA, a 40-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to narcotics and firearms trafficking, according to a March 26 announcement.
Authorities say Delarosa led an organization that distributed drugs and firearms in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey while residing in the Dominican Republic. The case is significant due to its connection with a broader Homeland Security Task Force initiative aimed at dismantling criminal organizations operating both within the U.S. and abroad.
Court documents allege that Delarosa coordinated with multiple redistributors who sold over one kilogram of fentanyl, more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, and 17 firearms during more than 30 controlled purchases by investigators. Laboratory analysis found some fentanyl mixed with bromazolam—a synthetic benzodiazepine not scheduled at the time—which has increasingly been found in drug mixtures leading to overdoses. Authorities also allege Delarosa made statements suggesting he could direct violence against individuals in the United States.
A federal grand jury indicted Delarosa on July 8, 2025 for conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. These offenses carry potential sentences ranging from ten years up to life imprisonment for drug charges and up to fifteen years for firearm-related offenses. On December 9, another indictment charged six alleged co-conspirators with related crimes.
Delarosa was arrested on January 30, 2026 in the Dominican Republic following a request from U.S. authorities. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven where he pleaded not guilty and was ordered detained pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan said: "An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." The prosecution falls under Executive Order 14159's Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative which focuses on combating transnational criminal organizations through interagency collaboration.
The investigation involved multiple federal agencies including FBI divisions across several states as well as local police departments from Connecticut cities such as New Haven, East Haven, North Haven, Milford, and Waterbury. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs along with Dominican authorities played key roles in securing Delarosa’s arrest and extradition.
