NEWPORT, N.H. – Two Newport men have been arrested on drug and firearms charges following an investigation into Fentanyl trafficking in Sullivan County by the Newport Police Department, Claremont Police Department, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
Search and Arrests
On March 11, 2025, Newport Police executed search and arrest warrants at 57 Reed Farm Road in Newport. During the search, investigators recovered:
Suspected Fentanyl
Packaging materials consistent with drug sales
Three firearms
Arrested Individuals
Brandel Ayotte, 46, of Newport, was charged with:
Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Hindering Apprehension
Resisting Arrest
Jake Ayotte, 25, of Newport, was charged with:
Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Violation of Probation (capias warrant from Sullivan Superior Court)
Both individuals were held without bail at the Sullivan County House of Corrections, pending arraignment in court.
Granite Shield Investigation Totals for 2025
In the last two weeks, Granite Shield operations in Sullivan County have resulted in significant drug seizures and arrests:
26 felony drug arrests
More than 2,242 grams (over 2 kilograms) of Fentanyl
491 grams of Methamphetamine
115 grams of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
949 prescription pills, including 82 pressed Fentanyl pills
7 firearms recovered
$22,362 in cash seized
Ongoing Investigation
The Granite Shield initiative, funded by the New Hampshire Substance Abuse Reduction Initiative, is an ongoing effort to combat Fentanyl and other dangerous drug trafficking activities in the state. Law enforcement officials anticipate additional arrests and charges in the near future.
