Franklin, NH – Authorities arrested 27 people this week in Franklin, New Hampshire, following a large-scale drug trafficking investigation. Officials said the operation marks one of the biggest enforcement actions the area has seen in recent years.
Details of the Operation
On Tuesday, DEA agents and Franklin police executed three search warrants, arresting 17 people. They also seized about $100,000 in cash, a firearm, and significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Ten more arrests were made on Wednesday, and police cleared a homeless encampment that had been linked to ongoing drug distribution.
Lengthy Investigation
The arrests concluded a three-month investigation where officers conducted surveillance, gathered evidence, and built cases that led to this week’s coordinated enforcement actions.
Ties to International Cartel
Officials said the drug-dealing operation had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, which has long influenced drug distribution in New England.
“This week’s enforcement action attacked their street-level distribution network,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget.
Community Reaction
Some Franklin residents expressed relief following the arrests. “Franklin is a beautiful place to live, and this is a major event that just made Franklin even more beautiful,” one resident said as per WMUR.
Ongoing Efforts
Authorities emphasized that efforts will continue to dismantle drug networks across New Hampshire.
“It does not matter what level of a drug dealer you are; we will target you,” DEA Special Agent Paul Spera said.
Police have not yet released the identities of those arrested or the specific charges they are facing.
Community leaders have also praised the coordinated effort, emphasizing that drug-related crimes not only endanger lives but also affect the overall quality of life in Franklin. They hope that continued enforcement, coupled with education and rehabilitation programs, will help break the cycle of addiction and keep neighborhoods safe.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think these arrests will make Franklin and surrounding communities safer? Share your opinions in the comments below.
