Nine Arrested Including Suspected 18th Street Gang Members in Boston for Drug Trafficking and Violent Crimes

As part of a continuing investigation into the 18th Street Gang and its operations in Boston’s North Shore, nine people were recently arrested. A variety of federal and state charges have been brought against the group, most of which are related to drug trafficking and violent crimes against minors. Four men are accused of distributing fentanyl, a drug connected to multiple overdose deaths in Massachusetts, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Specifically, fentanyl distribution and intent to distribute charges have been brought against Orlando Mancia, a defendant allegedly affiliated with the 18th Street Gang, Tony Cartegena-Chacon, Hector Luis Santana Guzman, and John Angel. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated, “Defendants arrested yesterday allegedly pumped this poison into North Shore communities for a profit, and fentanyl continues to devastate lives across Massachusetts.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office claims that Guzman, also known as DJ Black, and the others are accused of spreading what authorities have called “deadly poison” in their pursuit of financial gain at the expense of human life, which heightens the seriousness of the case.

There is clear evidence of damage control by both federal and local law enforcement, highlighting their joint efforts to thwart criminal activities that benefit from the opioid pandemic. Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, said, “With this operation, the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force has removed alleged drug traffickers accused of pushing deadly poison onto our streets, hoping to avoid detection.” In a statement provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson also recognized the vital role these arrests play in slowing the spread of illegal substances in communities.

Five more people face additional state charges for alleged offenses ranging from child abuse to drug trafficking. Elvin Martinez, Marlon Eduardo Varela, Fidel Alexis Orellana, Bryan Molina, and Luis Borja are among the serious suspects who were taken into custody for crimes such as illegally possessing ammunition, trafficking in drugs, and child pornography. This coordinated attack on the intricate network of illegal activity linked to the notorious gang is the result of the combined efforts of numerous police departments and federal authorities.

These charges have serious legal ramifications; distribution of fentanyl carries fines of millions of dollars and punishments of up to 20 years in jail. According to reports, police found about $25,000 in cash and suspected cocaine when they arrested John Angel. While these accusations must pass through the legal system, where innocence is presumed until proven guilty, these high-stakes operations are part of OCDETF’s larger effort to destroy the most dangerous criminal groups endangering the United States.

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