A Manchester resident has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Zachary Austin, 41, received an 84-month sentence and three years of supervised release from U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Austin’s co-defendant, Joseph Coffey, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
“Distributing three pounds of methamphetamine is a serious crime with serious consequences,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “This seven-year sentence reflects the harm these drugs inflict on our communities and the commitment of law enforcement to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the New England Field Division stated, “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire. Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes but should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and across the United States. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The DEA is dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
Court documents show that Austin and Coffey operated their distribution business from their shared apartment in Manchester between July and September 2024. During this period, they sold methamphetamine to law enforcement officers on five occasions. Subsequent searches uncovered additional quantities of methamphetamine in their apartment and vehicle, totaling approximately 1.66 kilograms (3.66 pounds).
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation into this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
