22 people charged in connection with Manchester drug trafficking ring

U.S. Attorney Jane Young announces the details of the 22 arrests in connection to a Manchester drug trafficking ring.

Authorities charged 22 people in connection with an organized drug trafficking ring, which for at least the past four years has allegedly brought large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine into New Hampshire from Boston.

Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg called it the largest drug takedown in the department's history during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Boston Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI.

At least three Manchester police officers were assigned to the case. The investigation included surveillance and more than 50 undercover purchases.

Aldenberg called the arrests a "major blow to drug trafficking in the city of Manchester, the region and beyond." The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

Police Chief Allen Aldenberg called this the largest drug takedown in the department's history.

The investigation, which began in September 2019, is continuing.

Over the past day and a half, authorities seized approximately 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 150 grams of crack cocaine, 250 grams of fentanyl and 100 bags packaged for sale that are currently being tested. The seizure also included $26,000 in cash and four firearms.

U.S. Attorney Jane Young was briefed on the investigation when she took office in January 2022 and made it a top priority.

Young said 12 of the 22 defendants have been arrested on conspiracy to distribute controlled substance charges. Seven were arrested in Massachusetts, one was apprehended in Rhode Island, one surrendered and another was detained. Eight of those charged are from Manchester.

"They utilized a business model indicative of a sophisticated drug trafficking organization. That included dispatch phones and runners in the form of lieutenants and traffickers," she said.

The runners would meet with people in predetermined locations in Manchester, usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Often, the drugs were sold inside vehicles.

According to court documents, the organization was operated by Juan Ramon Soto Baez, 53, known on the streets as "Ricky." He is scheduled to be in federal court Thursday.

The alleged ring included his brother Flemin Soto Baez, 38, of Manchester, and son Osvaldo David Soto Jimenez aka "Tony," 29, of Dorchester, Mass.

"It was an operation that appeared to be family operated, but it had a hierarchy," Young said. "It was well organized and well tuned to avoid detection. They tried to stay under the radar."

Investigators are unsure of the origin of the drugs.

Luis Maldonado, aka "Tony," 48, of Manchester, had at least 16 previous convictions in New Hampshire, according to court documents.

Paul Spera, DEA assistant special agent in charge, said fentanyl is the nation's most dangerous drug threat.

The organization sent multiple drug runners on a daily basis to fill orders made over the phone.

"I can stand here and confidently say that this drug trafficking organization has been completely dismantled," Spera said.

Christopher DiMenna, FBI assistant special agent in charge, noted the amount of drugs, money and weapons taken off the street.

"We hope today's collaborative effort will help the good, law-abiding people of Manchester feel a little bit safer because one should not have to live in the midst of an open, illicit drug market," he said.

Aldenberg said there were more than 700 overdoses in Manchester in 2022, 79 of them fatal.

"It is imperative for law enforcement to marshal their resources to address this epidemic," he said.

The department works to target such organizations, the chief said.

He said the takedown will "significantly disrupt and reduce the supply of illicit substances into this area."

The city will deploy the Rapid Overdose Assessment Response Team to "reduce the harm that this change in supply could create and connect those in need to resources and treatment."

Aldenberg encouraged those struggling with drug addiction to call 211 for resources.

The others arrested were:

• Antonio Aguasvivas aka "Toni," 27, of Providence, Rhode Island. Aguasvivas is in custody.

• Melissa Rey Ramos aka "Ralphie," 34, of Peabody, Mass. Rey Ramos is in custody.

• Angel Leonel Fuentes Pizarro, 42, of Boston. Pizarro is in custody.

• Alejandro Reyes Rosado, 29, address unknown.

• Maria Camacho aka "Christina," 43, of Manchester.

• Yefris Cruz Andujar, 23, of Providence, Rhode Island.

• Hidequell Gonzalez Viscaino, 22, of Waterbury, Connecticut.

• Katie Girgus, 29, of Manchester. Girgus is in custody.

• Nickolas Starkey, 34, of Manchester. Starkey is in custody.

• Daniel Beldin, 33, of Manchester.

• Dari Rafael Baez Martinez aka "Chino," 32, of Boston. Baez Martinez is in custody.

• Leander Jose Rivera Soto, 28, of Boston.

• Gabriel Hernandez, 30, of Boston. Hernandez is in custody.

• Jose Cordero Ortiz, 37, of Boston.

• Victor Arias Mejia, 38, of Manchester.

• Jhonattan Jimenez, 36, of Boston.

• Alesha Neault, 37, of Manchester.

• Brandon Rivera, 21, of Boston. Rivera is in custody.

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