Lawrence Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Pills Produced Using Multiple Pill Press Machines
Nearly nine kilograms of fentanyl seized, including approximately 48,000 fentanyl pills
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, made using multiple pill press machines.
Miguel Angel Fajardo, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to eight years in prison and two years of supervised release. In October 2022, Fajardo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
In March 2022, law enforcement searched Fajardo’s apartment and seized 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. Pill stamps are commonly used to make counterfeit pills appear to be legitimate pharmaceutical-grade pills. Approximately 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 were also found. Additionally, two one-kilogram pill press machines and another large pill press were found.
U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Lawrence Acting Police Chief Michael McCarthy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig E. Estes and Evan D. Panich of Rollins’ Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
