LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ) — A Dominican national living in Lawrence has been arrested and charged in connection with a North Shore drug trafficking organization that allegedly distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Leury Then Rosario, 33, was charged on March 3 with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine. He was arrested on February 25 and is currently detained, with a March 7 hearing scheduled for further proceedings.
The investigation into the trafficking ring began in January 2023, and law enforcement quickly identified Rosario as a major trafficker operating out of Lawrence. Following his arrest, authorities executed search warrants at Rosario’s residence and an alleged stash house, which was disguised as a multiservice business.
The operation yielded a massive discovery of illegal narcotics and weapons:
Over 16 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances.
One kilogram of suspected cocaine.
More than four kilograms of fentanyl in various forms.
25 pounds of suspected cutting agents.
A commercial pill press and kilogram presses.
In addition to the narcotics, authorities found a hidden trap wall containing multiple firearms, including:
A Glock Model 33.
A Ruger .380-caliber handgun.
Two ghost guns.
An AR-15-style rifle.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley stated, “The alleged discovery of this defendant’s hidden trap wall concealing a stockpile of narcotics and weapons lays bare the dangerous reality of drug trafficking today: fentanyl and methamphetamine are flooding our communities, protected by deadly firepower.” She added, “Drug traffickers are adapting, but so are we.”
If convicted, Rosario faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
