United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CONCORD, N.H. – A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who previously lived in Massachusetts, was sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Juan De Los Santos Romero, 23, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 30 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  De Los Santos Romero previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.  De Los Santos Romero will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his prison sentence. Four co-conspirators, Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos, Eddy Mendez Carmona, and Luis Guerrero Cabral, have previously pleaded guilty.

“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are destructive drugs that devastate our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan.  “We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those individuals who distribute these dangerous substances in our state.”

“The defendant chose to profit from the distribution of two of the most dangerous drugs threatening our communities today—fentanyl and methamphetamine,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “His actions contributed to the flow of deadly narcotics into New Hampshire, putting countless lives at risk. Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who traffic these poisons will be identified, investigated, and held accountable, regardless of their citizenship or where they attempt to operate. The DEA remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and protect the people of New England.”

De Los Santos Romero was part of a Methuen-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Seacoast area. He was responsible for at least four controlled drug purchases with an undercover DEA agent. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Seabrook Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Methuen Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo prosecuted the case.  

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.