By Tiffany Williams –
COOS COUNTY, NH — A four-month investigation into narcotics trafficking in New Hampshire’s North Country has resulted in 17 arrests, according to the New Hampshire State Police.
The State Police Narcotics Investigations Unit (NIU), working in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Manchester District Office, announced the arrests Thursday following an operation targeting the distribution of crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine across the region.
The individuals face a range of charges, including possession of controlled drugs in a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit narcotics sales, sale of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute, hindering apprehension or prosecution, and being a fugitive from justice.
During the operation, investigators seized quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and cocaine, along with other evidence consistent with narcotics trafficking.
“This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to working with our federal and local partners to aggressively target those responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic in our communities,” said Colonel Mark B. Hall, Director of the New Hampshire State Police. “The individuals arrested were part of a network contributing to the supply of dangerous drugs throughout our state. Their removal is a step toward safer neighborhoods.”
Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Division, added: “New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl continue. These 17 individuals were specifically targeted as being responsible for the majority of the fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in the county.”
The DEA thanked the New Hampshire State Police, the Colebrook Police Department, and the Berlin Police Department for their collaboration on the case.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact Lt. Shane W. Larkin of the Narcotics Investigations Unit at (603) 234-0707 or send anonymous tips via email to nabdope@dos.nh.gov.