NEWARK, N.J. — A Peruvian citizen extradited to the United States on charges of narcotics importation conspiracy and attempt made his initial court appearance in Newark federal court on Friday, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Roque Rafael Martinez Cubas, also known as “Ever Arteaga,” 51, is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine for unlawful importation and attempt to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.
Court documents and statements reveal that Cubas was involved in an international drug trafficking organization that transported large quantities of cocaine from Peru to various countries, including the U.S. Between May 2022 and April 2023, Cubas and others conspired to import 662 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Cubas was arrested in Peru in December 2023 and was extradited to the U.S. at the request of federal authorities.
Cubas appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court, where he pleaded not guilty and was detained.
Each of the charges carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The investigation remains ongoing.
