John King, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, New Hampshire 2023

A major blow was struck against the illicit drug trade in Coos and Grafton counties as 31 individuals were arrested in a coordinated drug enforcement operation, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.

The operation, which took place this week, was a joint effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to target drug trafficking in the region. The crackdown focused on the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, resulting in federal charges against 5 individuals for federal drug offenses and an additional 26 for state drug offenses.

During the investigations, authorities seized a staggering amount of illicit substances, including over 14 lbs of suspected fentanyl, more than 2 lbs of suspected methamphetamine, 183 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 93 grams of suspected powder cocaine, and $131,397 in U.S. currency.

The enforcement effort brought together 9 law enforcement agencies to target individuals distributing drugs in communities throughout Coos and Grafton counties. The arrests resulted in the removal of individuals allegedly operating in the following New Hampshire communities: Berlin; Colebrook; Gorham; Groveton; Lancaster; Littleton; Stratford; and Whitefield.

The defendants, who were arrested on federal charges, include John King, 33, of Berlin, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. King made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 19, 2023, and is detained. Rose Hand, 39, of Berlin, was also charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Hand made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 19, 2023, and is temporarily detained.

The charges against the defendants provide for a maximum term of 20 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a minimum of three years of supervised release.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, the New Hampshire State Police, and the New Hampshire Drug Task Force, with valuable assistance provided by the Colebrook Police Department, the Berlin Police Department, the Coos County Sheriff’s Department, the Whitefield Police Department, the Littleton Police Department, the Lancaster Police Department, and the United States Border Patrol.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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