A Haverhill man received a nine-year prison sentence for his involvement in the distribution of tens of thousands of pills containing dangerous substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. Angel Joel Diaz, also known as “Guero,” was sentenced following his April 2024 guilty plea on multiple counts, including distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office release.
The investigation leading to Diaz’s conviction began in January 2023, and undercover operations soon unearthed the extent of his pill manufacturing and distribution operation. Diaz was apprehended after evidence of his illegal activities, which included transactions with an undercover officer on several occasions. While carrying a shopping bag containing over 30,000 fentanyl pills, Diaz was arrested on February 15, 2023.
Further investigation uncovered two pill presses, masks, and chemicals for manufacturing pills at Diaz's home, revealing a large drug operation. Diaz sent an undercover officer a photo boasting about the potency of his fentanyl pills and said, "even making it with a mask makes you want to vomit and everything," in a statement noted in the same release.
Diaz's conviction is the result of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the DEA New England Field Division and local Massachusetts police. Authorities seized over 6 kilograms of fentanyl, along with large amounts of methamphetamine and methadone. Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau emphasized the danger posed by traffickers like Diaz. U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated that the conviction highlights their commitment to combating the opioid epidemic and prosecuting those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl.
