A Lawrence man was arrested in connection with an investigation into a drug manufacturing operation. Authorities allege that Aris Arvelo Gonzalez, 37, conspired to manufacture and distribute counterfeit pills in the Lawrence area. Law enforcement officials recovered over two kilograms of suspected controlled substances and a pill press during searches related to the case.
Gonzalez faces one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute and manufacture controlled substances. After his initial appearance in federal court in Boston, he was detained pending a hearing scheduled for November 25, 2025.
Charging documents state that Gonzalez and another individual known as La Culebra operated a significant drug manufacturing site inside an apartment in Methuen. In August 2025, investigators searched the Methuen apartment and reportedly seized more than 18 kilograms of controlled substances along with a pill press. Following this search, alleged co-conspirators Joshua Morales, Manuel Santana-Soto, and Jose Vasquez Lantigua were arrested and charged.
Authorities further allege that while on pretrial release after a January 2025 arrest for drug offenses in Salem District Court in New Hampshire, Gonzalez sold over 1,500 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to both a confidential informant and an undercover agent on four occasions between July and November 2025.
During his arrest this morning, Gonzalez was allegedly found carrying thousands of counterfeit pills divided into smaller bags as well as a substantial amount of cash. Law enforcement executed search warrants at three locations in Lawrence believed connected to Gonzalez and the “La Culebra” organization. These searches reportedly led to the discovery of materials used for producing counterfeit Percocet containing fentanyl—including another pill press and a large bag of pill binding agent.
The charge carries penalties including up to 20 years imprisonment, supervised release from three years up to life, and fines up to $1 million. Sentences are determined by federal judges according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today.” The Essex County District Attorney’s Office provided assistance with Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative involving resources from agencies such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)—aimed at combating illegal immigration-related crime as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations across communities.
Officials emphasized that charges are allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
