Lawrence man sentenced to 120 months for participating in fentanyl trafficking conspiracy
CONCORD, N.H. – DEA New England Division Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle and United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Robert Raniery Arias, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who most recently resided in Lawrence, Massachusetts., was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 120 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
Court filings and statements made in court established that Arias sold drugs to an undercover police officer on two occasions. On Sept. 8, 2016, Arias was arrested as he attempted to deliver approximately 500 grams of fentanyl to the undercover officer at the Rockingham Mall in Salem, New Hampshire.
Arias previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 31, 2019. Arias, who was not lawfully in the United States, faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after serving his prison sentence. Co-conspirator Carmen Jose was sentenced to 42 months in prison on Feb. 2, 2018.
“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl climb,” said Special Agent in Charge Boyle. “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those like Mr. Arias, who are coming from out of state to contribute to this crisis. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this deadly drug.”
“The 10 year sentence imposed in this case serves as a warning to fentanyl traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who choose to bring this deadly drug into the Granite State should be aware that they face very substantial federal prison terms. Law enforcement agencies are working 24 hours a day to identify, prosecute and incarcerate those who distribute fentanyl and other opioids in New Hampshire.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Salem Police Department and the Nashua Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
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