A Dominican man was extradited to New York Monday for allegedly conspiring to transport over 100 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Following an investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York, Melvin Martinez, 38, was arraigned Tuesday in the Eastern District of New York on an international cocaine distribution conspiracy charge. Martinez, also known as “La Fuerza” and “Yo Mismo,” was arrested in the Dominican Republic in January 2020 and was held pending extradition.

“When Martinez was arrested in the Dominican Republic in January, HSI and its law enforcement partners dealt a blow to his cocaine trafficking enterprise. His extradition is a major step forward after the detrimental impact Martinez’ organization had on the people of the United States and the greater New York City region,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, special agent in charge, HSI New York. “Through this multi-year, complex investigation, HSI New York and our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, have proceeded in bringing the full force of the American Justice system to combat Martinez and his organization.”

Cont'd:
https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/international-narcotics-trafficker-extradited-new-york-prosecution