Four individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on April 15 for allegedly conspiring to distribute multiple kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into Massachusetts using the U.S. mail system.
The indictment is significant as it addresses the alleged movement of large quantities of dangerous narcotics from Puerto Rico and California into local communities. The charges underscore ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking organizations operating across state lines.
According to charging documents, Alexander Pineda Nunez of Methuen; Angel Luis Cedeno Moni, unlawfully residing in Lawrence; Raymond Cedeno Calderon of Clifton, New Jersey; and Adrian Pena Rodriguez, unlawfully residing in Haverhill are accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Pena is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Authorities said that Pineda and Moni led a drug trafficking organization that arranged for kilogram quantities of cocaine to be mailed from Puerto Rico to various residential addresses in northeastern Massachusetts. The group allegedly tracked packages containing drugs and retrieved them shortly after delivery at several locations on the same day. Several packages sent from Puerto Rico were seized—including one directly from Pena—and found to contain multiple kilograms of cocaine.
It is further alleged that Pineda and Moni traveled to Arizona and California where they sent packages containing fentanyl and methamphetamine back to Massachusetts via the U.S. Mail. In August and September 2025, six packages shipped from California were seized by authorities who reported they contained multiple kilograms of these substances.
The charge carries a sentence ranging from at least ten years up to life imprisonment if convicted, along with supervised release terms starting at five years up to life, plus fines up to $10 million based on sentencing guidelines set forth by federal statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the indictments along with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division; U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; Homeland Security Investigations New England; Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division; as well as support from state police departments. “The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.” Foley said.
This case was investigated under Operation Take Back America by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force—a joint operation established under Executive Order 14159—focused on repelling illegal immigration threats, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), according to information provided by officials involved in the operation.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws through prosecutions involving national security threats or civil rights violations according to its official website. The office advances community initiatives related both civil rights protections as well as violence prevention according to its official website. It operates facilities at John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse in Boston along with branch offices in Springfield and Worcester according to its official website.
Serving all residents across Massachusetts since its establishment among America’s earliest such entities dating back to 1789, this office employs over 200 attorneys alongside paralegals or professional staff members while handling prosecutions or civil litigation representing United States interests statewide according to its official website.