Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute in New Hampshire

CONCORD – A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Jose Toledo, age 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro to 72 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  In January 2025, Toledo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

“Those who choose to traffic drugs and arm themselves while doing so, like the defendant, are putting our communities in danger,” said Acting United States Attorney McCormack. “Today’s sentence reflects not only the severity of drug trafficking crimes involving dangerous weapons, but the continued threat that such activity poses to the community.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and individuals like Mr. Toledo who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Toldeo accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic with deadly drugs to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison.”

In December 2023, a confidential witness working on behalf of law enforcement ordered methamphetamine and fentanyl from Toledo. Toledo drove from Massachusetts into New Hampshire with the intention of delivering nearly a pound of methamphetamine and almost 300 grams of fentanyl to the confidential witness. Instead, law enforcement stopped Toledo in New Hampshire and seized the drugs from him. When locating the drugs, investigators found them in a hidden compartment in Toledo’s vehicle, with a loaded firearm. 

The DEA Manchester District Office led the investigation. The DEA Boston Strike Force from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the New Hampshire State Police Mobile Enforcement Team, the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newington Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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