Local pair packing $10G worth of fentanyl picked up during DUI saturation patrols

Michael J. Demeritt, left, and Jason L. Brewer (US Marshals photos),

DUI saturation patrols in and around Rochester and Barrington on Saturday resulted in eight arrests, including two on Highland Street that led to felony charges and the seizure of $10,000 worth of fentanyl.
While participating in the state and federally funded enforcement effort, State Trooper Geoffrey Miller conducted a traffic stop on a 2011 Ford Explorer along Highland Street after observing erratic operation, according to a DOS press release on Monday.
Miller later identified the occupants of the Ford as Michael J. Demeritt, 42, of Farmington, formerly of Rochester; and Jason L. Brewer, 39, of Milton Mills.
During a roadside investigation, troopers observed Brewer throw a bag suspected of containing illicit drugs toward a wooded area that was adjacent to the location of the traffic stop. After troopers detained Demeritt and Brewer at the scene, they radioed for assistance of the New Hampshire State Police K9 Unit in locating the suspected discarded contraband. In response to this request, Trooper Nathan Sleight and his K9 partner "Kaiser" responded to the scene and located the bag in a grassy area near a tree line, according to a State Police statement.
Upon recovering the bag, troopers determined it contained around one-hundred grams of suspected fentanyl having an estimated street value of $10,000.
Demeritt was charged with transportation of controlled drugs and control of a premises/vehicle where controlled drugs are kept
Brewer was charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to sell and falsifying physical evidence
The DUI saturation patrols comprised state, Rochester and Barrington police officers. The effort was funded by the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The other individuals were arrested for various offenses as follows:
Brian ROYCE Age: 42 Town of Residence: Barrington, New Hampshire Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Liquor, Speeding, and Solid Line Violation
Jesse E.X. DAVIS Age: 41 Town of Residence: South Berwick, Maine Charges: Operating After Revocation or Suspension (Subsequent Offense) John P. LAFLESH Age: 33 Town of Residence: Rochester, New Hampshire Charges: Strafford County Superior Court Capias Warrant, Electronic Bench Warrants (x2)
Alan CHARLES Age: 35 Town of Residence: Lebanon, Maine Charges: Reckless Operation
Juvenile (Name Withheld) Age: 17 Town of Residence: Farmington, New Hampshire Charges: Operating Without a Valid License
Juvenile (Name Withheld) Age: 17 Town of Residence: Portsmouth, New Hampshire Charges: Reckless Operation
State Police took the opportunity to remind the motoring public to call 911 if they observe a suspected impaired driver and be prepared to provide your exact location to include street names and highway mile markers, a plate number and description of the vehicle involved, along with the details of your observations.