A 36-year-old woman from Gilford, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, prosecutors announced.
Sara Zareas, 36, was sentenced by a federal judge in Concord on charges that she conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley said.
According to court documents, on June 17, 2020, law enforcement officers received information that Zareas would be traveling to Methuen, Massachusetts, to purchase fentanyl. They followed her and observed a hand-to-hand transaction between the occupants of her truck and another vehicle in a parking lot.
A New Hampshire state trooper later conducted a traffic stop of the truck as it drove through Windham. The driver of the truck admitted that she drove Zareas to Methuen to buy fentanyl in exchange for a small amount for herself. Zareas consented to a search of her backpack and person, which revealed scales, cellophane bags, and opioid kits.
The search also uncovered over 41 grams of fentanyl in their possession. Zareas pleaded guilty on April 7, 2021. “Fentanyl continues to cause large numbers of overdoses and fatalities throughout New Hampshire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley.
The investigation into Zareas was conducted by the New Hampshire State Police, with Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy prosecuting the case.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against fentanyl trafficking in New Hampshire, which has led to numerous overdose deaths in the state.
Related Federal Cases
- Methuen Man Pena Admits Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking & Gun Charge · New Hampshire
- Epsom Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking, Gun Charges · New Hampshire
- Meredith Willey Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking · New Hampshire
- Manchester Man Sentenced for Meth, Fentanyl Trafficking · New Hampshire
- Dominican National Charged in $1M Fentanyl Crack Cocaine Trafficking Ring · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: New Hampshire
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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