NH, Mass. Investigation Leads To Cops Seizing 2,113 Grams Of Fentanyl, 2.5-Plus Pounds Of Meth

MANCHESTER, NH — A six-month, multi-agency investigation has led to four arrests and the dismantling, officials said, of a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization doing business in New Hampshire.

The investigation, according to Heather Hamel, the public information officer for Manchester police, initially began in the Queen City. Later, it expanded to Lawrence, MA. During the operation, “investigators seized narcotics from the DTO that tested positive for the presence of carfentanil — a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl,” she said.

Four people were arrested in Massachusetts on Sept. 16: Diego De Los Santos Vizcaino, 34; Samuel Tibrey Arias, 58; Yeison Vizcaino Franco, 25; and Ysidro Martinez, 40.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the process for requesting the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.

Their charges are being processed by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, she said.

As part of the investigation, 2,113 grams of fentanyl, 124 grams of crack cocaine, and 2.59 pounds of methamphetamine were seized, along with other items, Hamel said.

Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr called carfentanil “one of the most dangerous substances on the streets today,” adding it posed “an extreme risk” to public safety.

“This case demonstrates the importance of working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten our neighborhoods,” he said. “I am proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all agencies involved.”

Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler agreed.

“This investigation underscores our dedication to disrupting the networks that bring dangerous substances into our communities,” he said. “The Lawrence Police Department remains fully committed to aggressively combating the flow of illicit drugs in our city and across state lines. We are proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners in this effort, and I want to sincerely thank all the agencies involved for their unwavering commitment and collaboration.”

The Manchester Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police’s Essex County Detective Unit, the Lawrence Police Department, and the DEA New Hampshire Office were all involved in the effort.

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