Two Wilmington residents were arrested on April 14 for allegedly conspiring to distribute about four kilograms of cocaine, according to a statement released by federal authorities on April 20.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking in the area. The case involves coordination between several agencies and underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating narcotics distribution.
Court documents state that Victor Roman-Maldonado, 38, and Gilberto Alvarez III, 42, were the focus of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Delaware State Police. Law enforcement executed search warrants at both men’s homes in Wilmington as well as a third local address and two vehicles linked to Roman-Maldonado. During these searches, officers found two parcels shipped from Puerto Rico containing approximately four kilograms of cocaine.
Both defendants have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison; however, actual sentences are typically less than the maximum allowed under federal law. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the arrests along with FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul and United States Postal Inspection Service Philadelphia Division Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force together with postal inspectors and state police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Corey J. Hauser are prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind that criminal complaints are only accusations at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.