New Hampshire Police Disrupt Drug Ring Linked to Lawrence, MA

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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in New Hampshire with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in New Hampshire, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.  

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, New Hampshire authorities have arrested six individuals connected to a drug ring based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. These suspects, identified as Delvin Castillo Portorreal, Jose Ynoa Ynfante, Maribi Garcia, Elio Omar Cabrera Lopez, Ernesto Valerio, and Angel Miguel Marte Ruiz, were indicted by a Hillsborough County grand jury on charges of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

According to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, the operation was uncovered through collaborative efforts between state law enforcement and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The NH Journal reported that the investigation revealed that over the past two years, the suspects had been utilizing the postal service to smuggle cocaine from Puerto Rico into New Hampshire. They regularly picked up packages at a Nashua post office that contained multiple kilograms of the drug.

These drugs were then transported to a contact in Lawrence, which is known to be a major hub for drug trafficking in New Hampshire. As reported by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Lawrence is responsible for a significant portion of the cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine entering the Granite State. This criminal network highlights the growing concerns over the influx of drugs and the connections between local traffickers and Mexican cartels.

The recent arrests of the Lawrence-based gang were not isolated incidents. Other individuals, Joel Soto Sanchez and Yunior Elliandri Perez Herrera, were also indicted for their alleged involvement in trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in cities like Concord and Tilton. This wave of arrests underscores the persistent battle against drug-related crime in New Hampshire.

As New Hampshire continues to grapple with drug abuse and addiction issues, the response from local lawmakers remains mixed. While some, like Republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Ayotte, have criticized Massachusetts cities for their roles in the drug trade, others have faced backlash for their stances on drug policy. Recently, a New Hampshire House Study Committee blocked Republican efforts to propose mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl dealers, a move that some argue could strengthen the fight against drug trafficking.

As law enforcement works diligently to dismantle these trafficking networks, the message is clear: combating the flow of drugs into New Hampshire requires continued cooperation between local and federal agencies to safeguard communities from the devastating effects of substance abuse.

If you or your loved one are struggling with a drug addiction, know that there is hope. Avenues Recovery has helped thousands of people overcome their addictions, and can help you too. Reach out today to begin your recovery journey in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

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