Methuen resident Angel Javier Morell-Oneill was arrested Wednesday in connection with the alleged trafficking of fentanyl with a street value of $28.8 million. (File photograph)
A 33-year-old Dominican national living in Methuen was arrested and charged in a Boston federal court this week for his role in the alleged trafficking of approximately 32 kilograms of suspected fentanyl.
Angel Javier Morell-Oneill was arrested alongside 41-year-old Jose A. Rodriguez and charged with one count possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling’s office said. Wednesday’s arrest wraps up a four-month investigation into Morell-Oneill that culminated with an Oct. 22 traffic stop on Methuen’s Pleasant Valley Street.
According to court documents, Morell-Oneill was behind the wheel when police seized two kilograms of suspected fentanyl from the front passenger seat. A subsequent search of his home alleged yielded more fentanyl, drug distribution paraphernalia and a loaded firearm. The total alleged street value of the drugs seized is nearly $29 million, according to Lelling’s office.
Co-conspirator Rodriguez was taken into custody when he arrived at Morell-Oneill’s home to deliver $20,000—his half of a payment to cover transportation costs of the narcotics shipment to Morell-Oneill.
Morell-Oneill faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million, in addition to a period of supervised release. For his role in the alleged conspiracy, Rodriguez faces a sentence of no more than 20 years in prison, among other penalties.