A Manchester resident has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Zachary Austin, 41, received an 84-month sentence and three years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine earlier this year.
Austin’s co-defendant, Joseph Coffey, has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
“Distributing three pounds of methamphetamine is a serious crime with serious consequences,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “This seven-year sentence reflects the harm these drugs inflict on our communities and the commitment of law enforcement to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes but should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and across the United States. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The DEA is dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
According to court documents, Austin and Coffey operated their distribution business from a shared apartment in Manchester. Law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from them five times between July and September 2024 before searching their apartment and vehicle, where they found additional quantities of the drug. Authorities recovered approximately 1.66 kilograms (3.66 pounds) of methamphetamine during their investigation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuting the case.
