A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in New Hampshire. Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announced the sentencing of Jose Toledo, 31, by U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro. In addition to his prison term, Toledo will serve three years of supervised release.
Toledo pleaded guilty in January 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. "Those who choose to traffic drugs and arm themselves while doing so, like the defendant, are putting our communities in danger," said Acting United States Attorney McCormack. "Today’s sentence reflects not only the severity of drug trafficking crimes involving dangerous weapons but the continued threat that such activity poses to the community."
Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau of the New England Field Division commented on the case: "DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and individuals like Mr. Toledo who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine to the citizens of New Hampshire." He added that the sentence serves as a warning to traffickers contributing to the opioid epidemic.
The case dates back to December 2023 when a confidential witness working with law enforcement ordered methamphetamine and fentanyl from Toledo. Toledo traveled from Massachusetts into New Hampshire intending to deliver nearly a pound of methamphetamine and almost 300 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement intercepted him in New Hampshire, seizing the drugs hidden in a compartment in his vehicle along with a loaded firearm.
The investigation was led by the DEA Manchester District Office with assistance from various agencies including the DEA Boston Strike Force, New Hampshire State Police Mobile Enforcement Team, Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, and Newington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather A. Cherniske prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
