Press Release
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Edward Garcia, 36, of Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl at the Rockingham Mall in June and July 2015.
According to documents on file with the court and statements made at today’s change of plea hearing, in 2015 law enforcement officers were targeting the sale of heroin and fentanyl from sources located in Massachusetts. As part of the investigation, an undercover officer purchased fentanyl from Garcia on June 12, 2015 and on July 14, 2015. Each sale involved 29.5 grams of the controlled substance fentanyl.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2017.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Because even a small quantity of fentanyl can be deadly, we will continue to work together to prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this drug and will make every effort to stop this drug from being sold in New Hampshire. While those who suffer from substance use disorders should receive treatment, those who seek to profit from the drug trade need to be held accountable for their actions.”
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Fentanyl is causing overdose deaths across the Granite State in record numbers, and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Task Force Officers from a number of New Hampshire law enforcement agencies and members of the Massachusetts State Police assisted in the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Don Feith.
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Updated June 30, 2017
Topic
Drug Trafficking
Component