BOSTON – In a brazen operation, federal authorities have brought down a multifaceted criminal conspiracy involving the trafficking of counterfeit pills containing narcotics and other counterfeit items. At the center of the operation is Christopher Chase, 43, of Lynn, who’s been indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, with more than 500 grams of methamphetamine attributable to him as part of the conspiracy.
Chase’s crimes didn’t go unnoticed. Court documents reveal that he was previously convicted in federal court in New Hampshire in connection with conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering. It’s alleged that Chase and his co-conspirators used a pill press to manufacture counterfeit pills, including counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, and counterfeit Xanax pills containing clonazolam.
According to investigators, Chase likened himself to notorious drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ in communications with a co-conspirator. The scope of Chase’s operation is staggering, with preliminary estimates indicating that he purchased over 100 kilograms of pill binding agent – used as the inactive ingredient in counterfeit pressed pills – between 2020 and 2022.
Chase’s accomplice, Francis Wyatt, 42, of Lawrence, was also indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a die set. A die set is a metal tool used to manufacture counterfeit pills. Wyatt was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on May 3, 2024, pending a hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024.
Chase’s operation extended beyond the world of pills. He was also a significant distributor of counterfeit stamps over public websites such as eBay. In February 2024, counterfeit U.S. postage stamps were recovered during a search of Chase’s residence. Preliminary estimates indicate that the stamps are valued at approximately $250,000.
The charges against Chase carry significant penalties. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the quantity of methamphetamine alleged in the indictment provides for a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The investigation into Chase’s operation involved a collaborative effort among federal and local authorities, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Massachusetts State Police.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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