WASHINGTON (TNND) — Residents of Nantucket are expressing their support for a suspected migrant drug dealer, Francisco Fernandez Sanchez, despite his involvement in what authorities are calling Nantucket’s “biggest ever cocaine bust.”
Sanchez, 31, was arrested in February after police seized over 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $250,000. This marks the largest cocaine bust in the history of Nantucket Island, according to the Nantucket Police Department.
Despite his arrest, which included the discovery of drug paraphernalia, many in the community have come to his defense. Prior to his court hearing on Tuesday, a number of friends, family members, and Nantucket residents submitted letters praising Sanchez’s character. They argued that he poses no threat to the community and is working hard to turn his life around.
Sanchez’s defense attorney, Patrick Callaghan, emphasized that his client had served in the military in his native Dominican Republic before immigrating to the U.S. legally with a green card in 2018. However, Judge Diane Freniere, presiding over the case, was unimpressed by these claims, making it clear that the severity of the crime could not be overlooked. “Cocaine kills people,” she remarked, setting Sanchez’s bail at $75,000 in cash.
If convicted, Sanchez faces a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison. Additionally, he could face deportation to the Dominican Republic, as prosecutors are working to establish that Sanchez is a significant drug dealer on Martha’s Vineyard, a popular summer destination for wealthy individuals, including billionaires.
Since his February arrest, Sanchez has remained in custody and has yet to post bail.
