Gilford Woman Sentenced to 37 Months for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

            CONCORD - Sara Zareas, 36, of Gilford, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Zareas would be traveling to Methuen, Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl.  Law enforcement officers followed the truck and observed a hand-to-hand transaction between the occupants of the truck and another vehicle in a parking lot.  A New Hampshire state trooper later conducted a traffic stop of the truck as it drove through Windham.  The driver of the truck admitted that she drove Zareas to Methuen to buy fentanyl in exchange for a small amount for herself.  Zareas consented to a search of her backpack and person which revealed scales, cellophane bags, and opioid kits.  Zareas and the driver also had over 41 grams of fentanyl in their possession.

            Zareas pleaded guilty on April 7, 2021.

            “Fentanyl continues to cause large numbers of overdoses and fatalities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.  “In order to protect our community, we continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute the drug dealers who are bringing this dangerous substance into the Granite State.” 

                This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy.                          

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