Rochester man accepts plea deal in fentanyl trafficking case

Derek Rand (Police mugshot)

CONCORD - A Rochester man pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between late 2017 and December 18, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New Hampshire State Police conducted an investigation of drug trafficking by Derek Rand, 31, who used runners to obtain fentanyl in Massachusetts and bring it to New Hampshire for distribution.

During the investigation, more than one kilogram of fentanyl was seized from members of Rand's drug trafficking organization.

The DEA arrested Rand on Dec. 18. His sentencing is set for December.

"Fentanyl traffickers make a lethal substance available for purchase in Rochester and other communities throughout New Hampshire," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray. "The results have been devastating. In order to stop the flow of fentanyl, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute traffickers."