Dominican Republic Native Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Escaping to Homeland
Habys Omar Meran, a 38-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
In January 2016, Meran was pulled over by a state trooper specializing in drug interdiction during a traffic stop along Interstate 80 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The trooper discovered a sophisticated hidden compartment in Meran’s van containing approximately 9 pounds of heroin, valued at over $2 million. Both Meran and his passenger, Juan Wilquin Hernandez-Bourdier, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hernandez-Bourdier was convicted of all charges in December 2018 and is currently serving a 10-year sentence in federal prison. However, Meran managed to remove his ankle monitor and flee the country in November 2017 prior to his trial.
Following an extensive investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, Meran was apprehended in the Dominican Republic in 2023 and extradited back to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, state police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan stated that the sentence imposed on Meran reflects the seriousness of his crimes and serves as a warning to those who attempt to evade justice. The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies ensured that Meran was held accountable for his actions.
