By: Richard L. Smith
Federal officials announced the extradition of a Dominican Republic man accused of trafficking heroin and fentanyl following his 2022 flight from the United States while under pre-trial supervision.
Ezequiel Brito, also known as “Jose Luis Portorreal Cruz,” 40, made his initial appearance in Newark federal court on July 2, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor. He was ordered detained following the hearing.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and court documents, Brito is charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute both substances.
The charges stem from an alleged drug trafficking operation dating back to June 17, 2021, when Brito was initially arrested and charged.
Prosecutors say Brito possessed and intended to distribute heroin and more than 400 grams of fentanyl—an amount considered extremely dangerous and potentially lethal.
Following his initial arrest in 2021, Brito was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
However, by September 2022, he had absconded from pre-trial supervision and fled to the Dominican Republic. U.S. authorities worked with their international partners to secure his extradition.
Each count Brito faces carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, along with a fine of up to $10 million.
The case is being prosecuted in the District of New Jersey.