Saturday, May 25, 2019

Belmont Resident Sentenced to 160 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

     CONCORD – Louis Gardner, 41 of Belmont, New Hampshire, was sentenced to160 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, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.

            According to court documents and statements made in court, 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.  As a convicted felon, Gardner 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.”

            “Those who distribute fentanyl, like Mr. Gardner, are endangering their customers and causing great damage to our community,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division.  “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to detect and disrupt drug traffickers like him who are contributing to the opioid crisis.  Dangerous drugs like this need to be taken off our streets, and in doing so, we can help keep addiction from spreading.”

            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.

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