Tens of thousands of fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl seized in Haverhill

BOSTON – A Haverhill man was arrested and charged for allegedly making and promoting hundreds of counterfeit prescription drugs laced with fentanyl round Boston and Lawrence. 

Angel “Guero” Joel Diaz, 34, appeared in federal court docket final week, charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or extra of fentanyl. He was held following his look. 

An undercover investigation into Diaz started in January when officers stated he bought over 200 drugs. Half of the drugs allegedly contained methamphetamine along with fentanyl. In the course of the assembly, Diaz allegedly informed officers he makes his personal drugs and sells them in Lawrence, Boston, and in New York via the mail. 

“We consider Mr. Diaz allegedly conspired to promote tens of hundreds of those lethal counterfeit drugs to areas in our Commonwealth and past,” U.S. Lawyer for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins in a press release. “In the course of the investigation, roughly 50,000 counterfeit drugs had been seized together with two tablet presses. Every of these drugs might lead to a deadly overdose and we commend our regulation enforcement companions for this investigation and arrest which improves public security.”   

Following the preliminary assembly, Diaz allegedly stored in contact with the officers, inquiring about additional gross sales and sending photos of his manufacturing course of and of the substances he makes use of. 

Throughout two different transactions — on January 27 and February 7 — the undercover officer allegedly acquired over 5,000 and eight,000 drugs respectively. Every week after the second sale, Diaz despatched the officer one other image of drugs, stating “even making it with a masks makes you wish to vomit and every part.”

Diaz was arrested on February 15 whereas carrying a purchasing bag of just about 32,000 drugs. Investigators stated a search of his residence in Haverhill discovered between 37,000 and 40,000 fentanyl drugs, two tablet presses, suspected fentanyl powder, and pill-manufacturing tools.