Miguel Angel Fajardo Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl in Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, made using multiple pill press machines.

Miguel Angel Fajardo, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2023.

Fajardo was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 25, 2022 and subsequently charged by an Information on July 1, 2022.

During a search of Fajardo’s apartment on March 25, 2022, approximately 7.3 kilograms worth of fentanyl pills, an industrial pill press and “M” and “30” pill stamps consistent with markings on pharmaceutical-grade Oxycodone pills were seized. Pill stamps are commonly used to make counterfeit pills appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pills.

The search also yielded 1.4 kilograms of fentanyl powder, two individual finger presses, 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition concealed in a microwave, four kilograms of cutting agent and two air purifying respirators – which are commonly used when working with fentanyl powder.

Additionally, two one-kilogram pill press machines and another large pill press in the landing outside the apartment were found.

“The opioid crisis remains a clear and present danger to our community, claiming over two thousand lives in Massachusetts in 2021 alone,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins.

“Mr. Fajardo possessed a staggering quantity of fentanyl – almost nine kilograms – and a clandestine laboratory outfitted with all the tools and materials necessary to press fentanyl into counterfeit pills. By seizing nearly 48,000 such pills along with the tools we believe Mr. Fajardo used to make them, our law enforcement partners likely saved countless lives.”

The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of $10 million.

The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Rollins, DEA SAC Boyle and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig E. Estes and Evan D. Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

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