Joshua Morales, Possession of Controlled Substances, Massachusetts 2024

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Table of Contents

Counterfeit Pill Ring Busted in Lawrence

A 31-year-old Lawrence man has been charged with possessing 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl, following a joint investigation by federal and state authorities.

Josueh Morales, of Lawrence, was arrested yesterday on related state charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to court documents, investigators knew that the residence in Methuen, where Morales was observed entering and leaving with a large orange bag, was an alleged drug distribution and manufacturing location.

While under surveillance, Morales allegedly drove to a location in Lawrence, where he was apprehended. During a search of Morales’ vehicle, 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills believed to contain fentanyl were allegedly recovered.

Additionally, a search of the residence in Methuen uncovered an automated pill press, multiple kilograms of counterfeit Adderall and Percocet pills, and numerous items used in the pill manufacturing process, including cutting agents, blenders, scales, bowls and bags full of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine powders and binding agents.

The charge of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, at least three years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Peabody Police Department, Lawrence Police Department and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.