Andre Watson, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Massachusetts 2024

A nationwide drug trafficking ring member has pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking charges in federal court in Boston. Andre Watson, 47, of Nashua, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

During the investigation, over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns, and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled.

Watson was identified as one of Reshat Alkayisi’s methamphetamine customers in May 2021, when Alkayisi distributed approximately four pounds (or 1.8 kilograms) of methamphetamine to Watson. In July 2021, investigators arrested Watson and seized multiple weapons from his vehicle, as well as a loaded firearm from his residence.

Watson is the eighth defendant to plead guilty. All remaining defendants are scheduled to plead guilty.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine provide for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2024. Watson is currently scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, 2024, following his guilty plea.

Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistance was also provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

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