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Opioid Drug Sweep Nets 151 Arrests Across N.H.

Courtesy NH State Police

Law enforcement officials say a massive drug sweep on Thursday resulted in 151 arrests and the seizure of more than 550 grams of heroin and fentanyl.

The Granite Shield operation involved dozens of partner agencies who fanned out across the state, targeting opioid and other drug dealers.

“We are sending a message to drug trafficking organizations that we are not going to let them continue making a killing here in New Hampshire,” said N.H. State Police Captain John Encarnacao during a press conference on Friday. “We are building our defenses on the highways, in our cities and our towns, and at our borders.”

In addition to the drugs, officials also seized 24 weapons and $37,000 in cash.

According to officials, the operation took months of planning, and involved cooperation among local, state and federal agencies.

Governor Chris Sununu described the sweep as one of the most comprehensive actions taken to date by New Hampshire law enforcement.

“We cannot thank them enough, because they did it yesterday, they’re out there doing it today, and they will be out there doing it for us tomorrow,” said Sununu.

Todd started as a news correspondent with NHPR in 2009. He spent nearly a decade in the non-profit world, working with international development agencies and anti-poverty groups. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
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