Lawrence Man Gets 24 Months in Jail For Dealing Fentanyl In Salem

CONCORD, NH — A Lawrence, Massachusetts man was sentenced Friday to 24 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl in Salem, New Hampshire, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office District of New Hampshire.

Juan Veras-Marcano, 29, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute more than 170 grams of fentanyl, authorities said.

According to court records, Veras-Marcano sold over 170 grams of fentanyl over the course of eight controlled purchases to a confidential source and an undercover agent.

The defendant was attempting to sell another 20 grams of fentanyl to an undercover agent at the time of his arrest, authorities said.

Veras-Marcano made the drug sales in the parking lots outside various retail stores in Salem, New Hampshire, according to court records.

Additionally, authorities said, the defendant took measures to avoid law enforcement detection, like hiding baggies of fentanyl in his mouth and working with a conspirator who conducted countersurveillance operations.

According to court documents, during a search of Veras-Marcano's phone, authorities said they discovered photos featuring large amounts of cash. They also found texts revealing the defendant sent large amounts of money to the Dominican Republic during the time he was dealing drugs.

"This case demonstrates the law enforcement efforts expended to stop deadly narcotics like fentanyl from flooding our streets," U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said. "Despite the defendant's covert attempts to avoid law enforcement detection, through the use of confidential sources and undercover agents, law enforcement was able to apprehend the defendant in the act of dealing fentanyl."

Young continued: "Bringing the defendant to justice was the result of a collaboration among state law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, working in partnership with the DEA and our office."

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the case was investigated by the Salem Police Department Narcotics Unit in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Attorney General's Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.