NEWARK, N.J. – Two brothers were convicted for conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 49 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Nelson Santos Munoz, 33, and Amauris Santos Munoz, 34, of Miami, Florida (together, the Santos Brothers), were each convicted on September 21, 2026, of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The Santos Brothers were convicted following an eight-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:On January 26, 2023, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in Woodbridge, New Jersey with three individuals, including the Santos Brothers. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately 49 kilograms of cocaine, individually wrapped in packages with cellophane/plastic wrap and coffee grounds between the layers, in three suitcases and a backpack. A review of cell phone communications revealed that the Santos Brothers traveled to the Dominican Republic and conspired to purchase cocaine and transport it to the United States for distribution. After importing the cocaine into the United States, the Santos Brothers traveled from Florida to New Jersey with the intent to distribute the cocaine.
Each count carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2027.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, New Jersey Division, with the investigation leading to the convictions. He also thanked the Woodbridge Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Farhana C. Melo and Christopher Fell of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###Defense counsel: Nelson Santos Munoz: Paul Condon, Esq., Jersey City, New JerseyAmauris Santos Munoz: William Strazza, Esq., Chester, New Jersey
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