A Lawrence resident has been charged in connection with an alleged drug manufacturing operation. Joshua Morales, 31, was charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute after law enforcement officials observed him leaving a Methuen residence believed to be involved in drug distribution and manufacturing.
Authorities reported that Morales was seen entering the Methuen residence and later leaving with a large orange bag. He was subsequently apprehended in Lawrence, where investigators allegedly found 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills suspected to contain fentanyl during a search of his vehicle.
A search of the Methuen residence uncovered an automated pill press and several kilograms of counterfeit Adderall and Percocet pills, which authorities believe contain fentanyl and methamphetamine. Law enforcement also recovered equipment used for pill manufacturing, including cutting agents, blenders, scales, bowls, bags of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine powders, and binding agents.
If convicted, Morales faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life on supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara made the announcement today.” The investigation received support from multiple agencies including the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Peabody Police Department, Lawrence Police Department and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is prosecuting the case as part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative led by the Department of Justice that coordinates resources from its Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) programs to address illegal immigration issues as well as combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations through targeted enforcement efforts.
Officials emphasized that all details contained in charging documents are allegations: “The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
