Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Derry Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking
CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Anthony Barth, 26, of Derry, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking.
According to statements made in court, Barth sold fentanyl to a cooperating individual on two occasions in July and August of 2016. On August 17, 2016, the individual placed an order for 50 “fingers” or approximately 500 grams of fentanyl. The defendant arrived at the predetermined meeting location in Derry, New Hampshire where officers attempted to arrest him. Barth tried to flee, hitting a police car and eventually abandoning his own vehicle behind a nearby business. He ran into a wooded area where he attempted to discard the drugs, but he was apprehended shortly thereafter. Officers searched the wooded area and found the drugs, which contained approximately 490 grams of fentanyl.
On June 5, 2017, Barth pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
“Most overdose deaths in the Granite State are being caused by fentanyl,” Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said. “The substantial amount of fentanyl that this defendant was distributing could have placed many lives at risk. While the law enforcement community recognizes that those who suffer from addiction require treatment, those who seek to profit from the sale of these deadly products are damaging the fabric of our communities. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to seek substantial penalties for those who threaten our state by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”
“The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Those suffering from opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal partners and our strong relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Manchester and Derry Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
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