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Franklin man arrested on drug, weapons charges after state police investigation

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FRANKLIN — A local man has been charged with multiple drug-related offenses following a comprehensive investigation by the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigations Unit (NIU).

State troopers arrested Michael Brownell, 39, of Franklin, on Jan. 23, after the NIU seized about 1,300 grams of suspected fentanyl, roughly 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two firearms, and around $5,000 in cash during their months-long probe.

Brownell faces five counts of selling more than 5 ounces of controlled drugs, four counts of selling controlled drugs, two counts of possessing controlled drugs, charges for transporting drugs in a motor vehicle, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon.

He was detained at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections following his arrest and was arraigned in Laconia Circuit Court on Jan. 24.

He remains in custody under preventative detention.

During Brownell’s arrest, Kaitlyn Blake, 32, of Belmont, was also apprehended on outstanding electronic bench warrants from Plymouth Circuit Court and Laconia Circuit Court related to motor vehicle charges.

Blake was processed at the Franklin Police Department and is being held at the Merrimack County Department of Corrections pending court appearances.

The New Hampshire State Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team provided support during the operation.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution of this case.

Investigators are continuing their efforts and encourage anyone with information that could assist the case to contact Lt. Shane W. Larkin of the Narcotics Investigations Unit at (603) 234-0707.

Anonymous tips can be forwarded to [email protected].

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