23 people facing charges after 74,000 counterfeit pills seized in North Shore drug-trafficking bust

Twenty-three people are facing charges after authorities seized over 74,000 counterfeit pills in a North Shore drug bust, according to the U.S. District Attorney of Massachusetts’ office.

According to a release from the Department of Justice, a drug ring headed by Lawrence brothers Michael and Christopher Nagle distributed various controlled substances including fake Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, xanax, cocaine and oxycodone. An investigation that began in 2018 ended after authorities used a federal search warrant Tuesday morning to seize over 74,000 counterfeit pills, three to four-kilograms of counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl and a pill printing press.

“Last year we lost over 2000 lives. Loved ones taken, stolen from us. And to be clear – counterfeit prescription pills being sold on the street are part of the problem. Swallowing a deadly drug can have the same fatal outcome as injecting one. These charges are an important step in slowing and ending the near constant stream of illegal drugs flowing into our communities,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins

“Massachusetts is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis as deaths from deadly fake pills soar. The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those who are contributing to the crisis,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division

The 23 individuals were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances.

The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and fine of up to $1 million.

The following defendants have been charged :

• Lawrence Michael Nagle, a/k/a “Mikey,” 32, of Saugus;
• Christopher Nagle, a/k/a “Cuda,” 28, of Revere;
• Nelson Mora, a/k/a “Nellie,” 29, of Lynn;
• Javier Bello, a/k/a “Javi,” 27, of Beverly;
• Anthony Bryson, 33, of Billerica;
• Frantz Adolphe, 28, of Lynn;
• Raymond Kulakowski, 36, of Lynn;
• Soyanna Lages, 33, of Somerville;
• David Muise, a/k/a “Pinky,” 35, of Swampscott;
• David Delauri, 30, of Haverhill;
• Savannah Lee Bartone, 35, of Peabody;
• Lawrence M. Nagle Sr., a/k/a “Michael L. Nagle,” a/k/a “Tony Dias,” 54, of Lynn;
• Alexander Villar, 33 of Danvers;
• Kion Shepherd, a/k/a “Kilo,”  31, of Salem;
• Melvin Nieves, 23, of Lynn;
• Erick Solis Lopez, a/k/a “Wichy,”  24, of Salem;
• Christopher Tejeda, 21, of Lynn;
• Edward Ortiz, 32, of Swampscott;
• Justin Westmoreland, 24, of Saugus;
• Yaira Ramos-Rivera, 39, of Billerica;
• Jose Garcia, 45, of Roslindale;
• Anna Bryson, 59, of Saugus; and
• Chevon Dorce, 43, of Lynn.

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