CLAREMONT — The Claremont Police Department, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, has arrested two individuals and seized a significant quantity of illegal drugs as part of Operation Granite Shield.
On Feb. 12, investigators from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and local law enforcement agencies surveilled two suspects traveling from Lawrence, Mass., to Sullivan County.
The suspects were allegedly transporting a large quantity of fentanyl intended for distribution in the area.
New Hampshire State Police troopers stopped the suspects on Interstate 89 and arrested them.
A subsequent search of their vehicle revealed approximately 1,260 grams of suspected fentanyl hidden inside.
The suspects were identified as Ricardo Antonio Lara Guerrero, 28, and Jason Checo Severino, 24, both of Lawrence, Mass.
They were charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and falsifying physical evidence.
Both are being held without bail at the Merrimack County House of Corrections pending arraignment.
The arrests are part of a broader effort by the Granite Shield alliance in Sullivan County, which has resulted in 24 felony-level drug arrests this year.
Authorities have seized over 2,142 grams of fentanyl, 491 grams of methamphetamine, 115 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 949 prescription pills, four firearms, and $22,362 in cash.
The Granite Shield alliance includes the Newport Police Department, Claremont Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, New Hampshire State Police, and federal partners.
Investigators are continuing efforts to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs from out-of-state source cities, including Lawrence, Mass.
Additional arrests and charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
