Two men from Massachusetts have been charged with conspiring to distribute counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and clonazolam, in a case that highlights the state’s ongoing struggle with the opioid crisis.
According to court documents, 43-year-old Christopher Chase, of Lynn, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, with over 500 grams of methamphetamine attributable to him as part of the conspiracy. Chase was also charged with trafficking in counterfeit drugs and possession with intent to distribute counterfeit postage stamps.
Chase’s alleged involvement in the counterfeiting operation began with the use of a pill press to manufacture counterfeit pills, including those containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and clonazolam. He allegedly purchased over 100 kilograms of pill binding agent between 2020 and 2022, and in communications with a co-conspirator, likened himself to notorious drug kingpin ‘El Chapo.’
Chase’s co-conspirator, 42-year-old Francis Wyatt, of Lawrence, was also charged in the case. Wyatt was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a die set, a metal tool used to manufacture counterfeit pills. According to court documents, Wyatt was sent to retrieve a package from China containing the die set, which was intended for use in manufacturing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
The investigation into Chase and Wyatt’s alleged counterfeiting operation was a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich is prosecuting the case, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison for the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
The indictment also reveals that Chase was previously convicted in federal court in New Hampshire in connection with a conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering. The estimated value of the counterfeit U.S. postage stamps recovered during a search of Chase’s residence is approximately $250,000.
Related Federal Cases
- El Chapo-Inspired Counterfeiter, 43, Busted for Fentanyl-Filled Pill Press · Massachusetts
- Fentanyl Kingpin Soto Baez Gets 8+ Years · Massachusetts
- Bloods Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Cocaine, Counterfeit Pill Ring · Massachusetts
- Methuen Man Pena Admits Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking & Gun Charge · Massachusetts
- Portland Drug Kingpin Sentenced to Over Six Years · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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