Fentanyl network taken down on NH-Mass. border after Pelham detectives learn of alleged kingpin’s plan | Crime

The arrests followed the execution of search warrants in Bedford and Ashland, as well as south of the border in Haverhill and Lawrence.

Deputy N.H. Attorney General Jane Young and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent-in-Charge Brian D. Boyle  announced the following arrests:

• Jonathan Betancourt, 29, of Lawrence, Mass., four counts of sale of fentanyl.
• Brian Rutherford, 22, of Bedford, conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to sell. He will be arraigned Friday in Rockingham County Superior Court.
• Mackenzie Ramos, 25, of Amherst, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell.  She will be arraigned Friday in Rockingham County Superior Court.
• Samantha Bidwell, 30, of Ashland, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell.  She will be arraigned Friday in Grafton County Superior Court.
• Ramon Rivera Muniz, 31, of Haverhill, Mass.,  two outstanding warrants for a parole violation and a pending charge of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
• Valeria Vanessa Cartagena Toro, 24, of Haverhill, Mass., conspiracy to sell fentanyl.

Muniz, Cartagena Toro and Betancourt are being held in Massachusetts at Middleton House of Correction pending extradition to New Hampshire, officials said.

Pelham police detectives began the investigation after learning Betancourt was allegedly looking to expand his drug operation in the region.   Betancourt is alleged to have sold the drugs in Pelham on four separate occasions and detectives seized 135 grams of what is believed to be fentanyl, a powerful and deadly opioid. The drugs had a potential street value of more than $10,000, officials said.

New Hampshire agencies participating in the investigation include the Attorney General’s office,  Ashland, Bedford, Pelham, Plymouth and Manchester police, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department,  N.H. Department of Corrections and state police; in the Bay State, Massachusetts State Police and Haverhill Police Department; DEA and U.S. Homeland Security on the federal level.