Franklin drug cash
A three-month federal drug investigation culminated in 27 arrests over two days in Franklin, with authorities seizing approximately $100,000 in cash, a firearm and illegal narcotics.
A three-month federal drug investigation culminated in 27 arrests over two days in Franklin, with authorities seizing approximately $100,000 in cash, a firearm and illegal narcotics, according to Franklin police.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration led the operation with assistance from Franklin Police and multiple law enforcement agencies, officials announced.
On Tuesday, agents executed three search warrants and arrested 17 individuals. On Wednesday, enforcement continued with 10 additional arrests and the clearing of a homeless encampment allegedly involved in drug distribution.
The investigation began after the DEA and Franklin Police developed intelligence on a drug trafficking network operating in the city, according to a statement from Franklin Police. Over two months, federal agents and local detectives conducted surveillance and gathered evidence leading to this week’s coordinated arrests.
“The DEA took the lead on this case, and we are proud to have supported their efforts,” said Franklin Police Chief Dan Poirier. “By working together, we were able to remove a significant drug trafficking operation from our community.”
Franklin drugs
A three-month federal drug investigation culminated in 27 arrests over two days in Franklin, with authorities seizing approximately $100,000 in cash, a firearm and illegal narcotics.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget said the operation targeted street-level distribution connected to the Sinaloa Cartel’s New England network.
“{span}The Sinoloa Cartel in Mexico has a strong hold on drug distribution in New England and this week’s enforcement action attacked their street level distribution network,” he said. “{/span}This case is an excellent example of how federal leadership and local cooperation can come together to protect communities like Franklin from the dangers of drug trafficking.”
Participating agencies included New Hampshire State Police, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Alexandria, Andover, Northfield, Salem and Bristol.
Authorities said some arrests were directly related to drug trafficking while others were unconnected but occurred during the operation. The names of those arrested and the charges they face have not been released so far.
Franklin drug arrests