Louis Gardner, Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms Crimes, New Hampshire 2018

CONCORD — Belmont resident Louis Gardner, 41, has been sentenced to 160 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, illegally possessing firearms, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.

Gardner and another individual sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the FBI on two separate occasions at locations in and around New Hampshire. On May 31, 2017, a woman arranged for Gardner and two other men to purchase fentanyl from a supplier in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

The three men drove together from Belmont to Lawrence. In Lawrence, the men met with their drug supplier, purchased a quantity of fentanyl, and began to drive back to New Hampshire. On the highway near Derry, the New Hampshire State Police conducted a traffic stop and seized a firearm and a package containing approximately 111 grams of fentanyl.

Gardner, as a convicted felon, could not lawfully possess a firearm. Gardner previously pleaded guilty on October 30, 2018.

“Armed drug traffickers are a menace on our highways,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The transportation of fentanyl into New Hampshire has had a disastrous impact on public health and safety. When drug traffickers are also armed, the danger grows exponentially. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for stopping this defendant’s criminal conduct and protecting the safety of our community.”

Gardner is currently serving his sentence of 160 months in prison for his crimes.

This matter was investigated by the FBI, the New Hampshire State Police, and the Laconia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski.