WESTFORD — A local detective has assisted in the seizure of suspected counterfeit opiates in Lawrence as part of a Drug Enforcement Agency task force investigation.
Michael Angel Fajardo, 32, was arrested and charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
An unnamed Westford Police Department detective assigned to a DEA task force assisted in the investigation. The group was tasked with an investigation into the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit fentanyl opiates in the Merrimack Valley region, according to a Facebook post from the Westford Police Department.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 100,000 suspected fentanyl pills from Fajardo’s apartment.
In addition, the task force seized one and a half kilograms of suspected fentanyl powder. It is further alleged that investigators also seized three pill presses, which are used to compress powder into tablets.
Law enforcement also allege they found 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition concealed in a microwave and two individual finger presses in the living room. In addition, investigators say four kilograms of a cutting agent and two air purifying respirators commonly used when working with fentanyl powder were present.
The charge provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. The charge also provides for at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million.
“The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” wrote the Department of Justice in a press release.
Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston this afternoon, Fajardo was held in custody pending a detention hearing, according to the Department of Justice.
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