United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CONCORD, N.H. – DEA New England Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle and United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Nicholas Messina, 28, of Haverhill, Mass, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute.

According to court documents and statements, Messina was arrested at a hotel in Nashua, N.H. with fentanyl, cocaine, thousands of dollars, and a loaded firearm. In a post-arrest interview, Messina admitted that he possessed the drugs for distribution.            

Messina previously pleaded guilty May 29, 2109.  

“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities, so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved,” said Boyle. “Let this sentence be a warning to those traffickers like Mr. Messina who are coming from out of state to distribute this poison, that DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”

“Drugs and guns are an extremely lethal combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “While fentanyl already has destroyed far too many lives in New Hampshire, the risk that armed drug dealers pose to the public cannot be overstated.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to stop interstate drug trafficking and the violence that is associated with drug dealing.”

"ATF will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts to vigorously combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade" said Kelly D. Brady, special agent in charge, ATF Boston Field Division.

This matter was investigated by the DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nashua Police Department.

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