METHUEN –– Two men, one from Laconia, New Hampshire, and another from Lawrence, were arrested on charges of trafficking fentanyl, as reported by Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara.
The police identified the two men as Derek Ayotte, 31, of Laconia, and Jose Rafael Villar, 31, of Lawrence.
Both were charged with trafficking fentanyl between 100 to 200 grams. Villar also faces charges as a fugitive from justice.
The arrest transpired on Friday, Oct. 6, when Methuen police officers, acting on reports of alleged drug transactions, noticed Villar walking from Lowell Street towards Route 110.
Villar was later seen interacting with the driver of a bronze Subaru Legacy, identified as Ayotte.
The police proceeded to stop the vehicle due to a broken tail light and found Ayotte in possession of a substance believed to be fentanyl. Ayotte was arrested without any complications.
Villar was subsequently taken into custody without incident. During an initial investigation, it was revealed that Villar had provided a false name and identification at the time of his arrest.
Further investigation uncovered a previous warrant for Villar from Lawrence District Court.
Both Ayotte and Villar were arraigned in Essex County District Court earlier today. Each has been held on $25,000 bail.
