Franklin Police, U.S. DEA Round Up Dozens During 48 Hour Raid On Homeless Camp, Drug Dens

FRANKLIN, NH — More than two dozen people have been arrested in Franklin during the past two days by police and members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The effort was part of a three-month investigation into drug trafficking, specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine, brought into New Hampshire by way of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and distributed around the state. Officials said the drugs were directly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Along with the arrest of 27 people, “significant seizures,” such as drugs, about $100,000 in cash, and one firearm, were also made during the past 48 hours.

Happening NOW! Twenty seven people in Franklin, New Hampshire have just been arrested! Fentanyl and methamphetamine sourced from Lawrence, Massachusetts have been seized. The drugs are directly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The investigation continues. #SinaloaCrackdown2025 pic.twitter.com/AfyITY8jm4
— DEANewEngland (@DEANEWENGLAND) August 27, 2025

“The DEA took the lead on this case, and we are proud to have supported their efforts,” Franklin Police Chief Dan Poirier said. “By working together, we were able to remove a significant drug trafficking operation from our community.”

The DEA reportedly developed intelligence about a trafficking network operating in Franklin. Detectives there, along with the DEA, gathered evidence, conducted surveillance, and built cases against suspects, officials said. New Hampshire State Police, deputies from the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department, officers from Alexandria, Andover, Bristol, and Northfield, and the Salem Police Department’s K-9 unit assisted in the enforcement effort this week.

“The Sinoloa Cartel in Mexico has a strong hold on drug distribution in New England, and this week’s enforcement action attacked their street-level distribution network,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the department’s New England Field Division said. “This case is an excellent example of how federal leadership and local cooperation can come together to protect communities like Franklin from the dangers of drug trafficking.”

Neither the Franklin police nor the DEA posted the names of people arrested or specific charges. But booking photos of all involved were posted by Franklin police on Facebook.

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