Eris Manuel Paulino Guerrero, Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking, New Hampshire 2023

CONCORD, New Hampshire – Eris Manuel Paulino Guerrero, also known as Edward Garcia, 28, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.

The sentence was handed down by a federal court on Monday, making Guerrero one of several individuals involved in a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) distributing heroin between June 2013 and October 2014. Guerrero also began selling fentanyl to customers as part of a separate drug distribution network in approximately October 2014.

The defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin and distribution of fentanyl. He faces likely deportation after he serves his sentence.

Guerrero’s prosecution was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire. In addition to Guerrero’s prosecution, multiple other individuals were sentenced for their roles in the DTO, including Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, who was sentenced to 15 years, and Toribio Guerrero Marte, 34, who was sentenced to 10 years.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement partners to combat the threats posed by fentanyl and heroin, said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray. Those who seek to profit from the sales of these deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.

The case was investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force. The case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith. Guerrero’s prison sentence marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire.