Authorities Seize 152 Pounds of Meth

 

A large-scale drug bust spanning across several states culminated in the arrest of 8 individuals and the seizure of 152 pounds of meth. The methamphetamine was seized at different points throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops, and package seizures.

Two men from New Hampshire, Eric Daneault, 45, of Manchester, N.H, and Andre Watson, 45, of Nashua, N.H. were arrested. The following names are the remaining individuals indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine: 

Reshat Alkayisi, 60, a Turkish national residing in Coventry, R.I.;

Brian Keleman, 52, of Woonsocket, R.I.;

Robyn Costa, 35, of Whitman, Mass.;

Eric Daneault, 45, of Manchester, N.H.:

Andre Watson, 45, of Nashua, N.H.;

Emil Dzabiev, 40, of Scarborough, Maine; and

Edison Klotz 40, of Stoughton, Mass.

Court docs reveal that authorities were informed about a large-scale meth distribution operation in the Boston-area back in October 2020. By late 2020 Alkayisi was identified as a methamphetamine trafficker, who distributes multi-pound quantities to customers throughout the New England area. Between February and April 2021, investigators conducted three controlled purchases of suspected methamphetamine and intercepted other packages. 

Upon searching Alkayisi's home, authorities seized an AK-47 assault rifle, a handgun, and ammunition, over $23,000 in cash, and multiple controlled substances, including suspected methamphetamine.

"Traffickers are bringing massive shipments of methamphetamine to New England, and that creates a new and especially dangerous threat," said Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. "Meth is exceptionally destructive, and the people selling it here should see this prosecution as a warning: we are on to you, we are going to prosecute you, and you will go to federal prison. My office and our law enforcement partners cracked this case, but this is only the beginning."

"Today we arrested members of a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking organization who lined their pockets by poisoning our communities, capitalizing on the misery of others. We have taken at least 152 pounds of methamphetamine off the street, which is a record amount for this region, and seized numerous firearms," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.