Lawrence Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 42 Months for Distributing 25 Pounds of Methamphetamine via a Rideshare Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire Dateline: Concord, New Hampshire Date: 27 September 2024 Subjects: American Government , Crime, Taxicabs & Limousines

CONCORD – A Lawrence, Massachusetts man was sentenced in federal court for trafficking methamphetamine in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.

Narquin Sanchez-Unbes, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty, to 42 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release. On June 6, 2024, Mr. Sanchez-Unbes pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine.

“The defendant used a ride-share to transport an enormous quantity of methamphetamine into the state,” said U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “The sentence imposed today holds the defendant accountable for his brazen criminal conduct. The District of New Hampshire will continue to identify those who intend to traffic controlled substances to our state, investigate them, and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Sanchez-Unbes accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in America.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

On July 10, 2023, an undercover agent attempted to purchase 25 pounds of methamphetamine from a suspected drug broker. The agreed-upon price was $2200 per pound, with a separate $3000 delivery fee, for a total cash price of $58,000. The delivery was made to the undercover agent by the defendant. Sanchez-Unbes was arrested shortly after arriving to the agreed upon location in Rochester via a ride share, while in possession of the 25 pounds of methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to Mr. Sanchez-Unbes’ conviction. The New Hampshire State Police also assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Strelzin prosecuted the case.

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Updated September 27, 2024