NEWPORT, NH — Police executed search and arrest warrants at 57 Reed Farm Road on March 11, resulting in the arrest of a father and son on drug and weapons charges.
Brandel Ayotte, 46, and Jake Ayotte, 25, both of Newport, were charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm.
Brandel Ayotte faces additional charges of hindering apprehension and resisting arrest.
Jake Ayotte was also taken into custody on a capias from Sullivan Superior Court for violation of probation.
Both suspects were held without bail at the Sullivan County House of Corrections pending arraignment.
During the search, investigators recovered suspected fentanyl, packaging consistent with drug sales, and three firearms.
The operation was part of the Granite Shield initiative, a collaboration between Newport Police Department, Claremont Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, and other state and federal law enforcement partners.
In the past two weeks, Newport Police investigators have recovered more than 100 grams of suspected fentanyl during Granite Shield operations.
This year’s Granite Shield operations have resulted in 26 felony-level drug arrests and the seizure of over 2,242 grams of fentanyl, 491 grams of methamphetamine, 115 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 949 prescription pills, seven firearms, and $22,362 in cash.
