Two Wilmington residents were arrested on April 14 for allegedly conspiring to distribute approximately four kilograms of cocaine, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware on Apr. 20.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking in the region.
Court documents identify Victor Roman-Maldonado, 38, and Gilberto Alvarez III, 42, as the subjects of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Delaware State Police. Authorities executed search warrants at multiple locations in Wilmington and two vehicles linked to Roman-Maldonado. During these searches, law enforcement discovered two parcels shipped from Puerto Rico containing about four kilograms of cocaine.
Both men have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; however, actual sentences are typically less than the statutory maximums as determined by federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the arrests alongside FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul and United States Postal Inspection Service Philadelphia Division Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen. The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force continues its investigation with assistance from state police agencies.
The press release notes that all charges are accusations at this stage: “The charges contained in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.” Related court documents can be found through official court websites or PACER using case numbers provided by authorities.
