A Gilford man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for drug-related offenses, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. Spiros Athanasopoulos, 46, received a sentence of 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in February 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
"This sentence reflects the serious danger posed by those who traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine, especially when they also attempt to flee law enforcement and endanger the public," said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. "Our office remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of these drugs."
Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, emphasized the importance of law enforcement partnerships in tackling drug trafficking: "It doesn’t matter if it’s a large-scale drug trafficking organization or an individual like Spiros Athanasopoulos who was distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine out of his home in Gilford, New Hampshire, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to put those who have furthered the scourge of drugs in our neighborhoods out of business."
Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau from the New England Field Division commented on the harm caused by these drugs: "Drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are causing tremendous damage to our communities. Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State. DEA’s top priority is combatting the drug epidemic by working with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes these poisons."
Court documents reveal that Athanasopoulos fled from police on a stolen motorcycle in June 2021, leading to a crash where he discarded a jar containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A subsequent search of his home uncovered large quantities of both substances along with money, firearms, and body armor. Laboratory tests confirmed possession of over 100 grams of fentanyl and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from local police departments. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted the case.
