CONCORD, NH - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Anthony Barth, 25, of Derry, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to two counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of possessing with intent to distribute 400 or more grams of fentanyl.

According to statements made in court, Barth sold fentanyl to a confidential informant on two occasions in July and August of 2016. On August 17, 2016, the confidential informant placed an order for 50 "fingers" or approximately 500 grams of fentanyl. The defendant arrived at the predetermined meeting location in Derry, New Hampshire where officers attempted to arrest him. Barth tried to flee, hitting a police car and eventually abandoning his own vehicle behind a nearby business. He ran into a wooded area where he attempted to discard the drugs but was apprehended shortly thereafter. Officers searched the wooded area and found the drugs, which lab results confirmed contained approximately 490 grams of fentanyl.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for September 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the United States District Court. The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

"The United States Attorney's Office is dedicated to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to arrest and prosecute individuals who are distributing deadly drugs like fentanyl," Acting U.S. Attorney Farley said. "While the law enforcement community recognizes that those who suffer from addiction require treatment, those who profit from the sale of these deadly products are damaging the fabric of our communities. This case is another example of our continuing efforts to stop the distribution of illegal opioids into our state."

"The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl and heroin crisis unlike ever before," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. "Those suffering from fentanyl and heroin addiction need treatment and recovery, but those that distribute and profit from spreading this misery need to be held accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office to aggressively seek and bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison."

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester and Derry Police Departments.


Posted 6/6/17