United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEWARK, N.J. – Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey Field Division Towanda R. Thorne-James and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Robert Frazer announced the conviction of two brothers for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 49 kilograms of cocaine.

Nelson Santos Munoz, 33, and Amauris Santos Munoz, 34, of Miami, Florida (together, the Santos Brothers), were each convicted on September 21, 2026, of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  The Santos Brothers were convicted following an eight-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

On January 26, 2023, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in Woodbridge, New Jersey with three individuals, including the Santos Brothers.  During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine, individually wrapped in packages with cellophane/plastic wrap and coffee grounds between the layers, in three suitcases and a backpack.  A review of cell phone communications revealed that the Santos Brothers traveled to the Dominican Republic and conspired to purchase cocaine and transport it to the United States for distribution.  After importing the cocaine into the United States, the Santos Brothers traveled from Florida to New Jersey with the intent to distribute the cocaine.

Each count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2027.

U.S. Attorney Frazer credited members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, New Jersey Division, with the investigation leading to the convictions.  He also thanked the Woodbridge Police Department for their assistance.