Two Massachusetts men, Francis Miguel Rodriguez and Roberto Ramon-Avalo, were indicted on March 18 for allegedly conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in New Hampshire, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan on Mar. 20.
The indictment is significant as it addresses the ongoing issue of illegal drug distribution across state lines, which authorities say poses risks to public safety and health.
Court documents indicate that the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating an unidentified individual selling large quantities of methamphetamine in Rochester, New Hampshire in early 2024. In June of that year, a narcotics-detecting K-9 alerted officers to controlled substances during a traffic stop involving Rodriguez’s vehicle. Authorities later discovered substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl hidden inside magnetic boxes attached to the car’s wheel well.
Investigators reported that two cooperating sources communicated with Rodriguez to arrange purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Each time, Avalo allegedly traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to deliver the drugs at agreed prices. In December 2025, law enforcement obtained arrest warrants for both men and searched a suspected drug house in Boston linked to their activities. The search yielded packaging materials and approximately five pounds of methamphetamine along with other controlled substances. After Avalo’s arrest, additional drugs were found concealed within his car dashboard—over 200 grams of methamphetamine and more than 700 grams of fentanyl.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and fines up to $1 million per count. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that all details contained in charging documents are allegations and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter. It is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
