Tuftonboro resident indicted for possession of over 100 grams of synthetic fentanyl

A Tuftonboro resident was indicted last week by a federal Grand Jury for possessing, with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue, and 50 g or more of methamphetamine.

The special felony charges against Justin R. Trudeau, 27, carry a maximum life sentence, a fine of $10 million, or both.

U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan, in a press release from the Department of Justice on Thursday, said Trudeau will appear in federal court in Concord, at a later date.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt. Rather, it is a finding by a Grand Jury enough evidence of an alleged crime exists to bring the case to trial.

From March 2 to July 15, 2026, Trudeau was charged with seven instances of the sale of illegal drugs. And on July 27, he was charged with four counts of possession and sale of narcotic drugs. He was taken into custody that day at his home on Middle Road, in Tuftonboro, following a months-long investigation.

Trudeau’s defense requested amended bail, on Oct. 7, which was denied.

“He stands charged by complaint with eleven special felony counts alleging possession and sales of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine in violation of RSA 318-B:2. The district court ordered his preventive detention, see Bail Order (July 30, 2026), and bound him over to this Court pending indictment. The defendant now asks that his detention be converted to personal recognizance upon acceptance into a residential substance abuse treatment program, with other conditions,” reads the court order signed by Judge Mark D. Attorri of Carroll Superior Court.

From March 2 to July 27, Trudeau was the subject of several undercover sting operations related to the sale and distribution of drugs, with both a cooperating source and an undercover officer. During these planned exchanges, Trudeau would leave varying quantities of meth, fentanyl or cocaine in the center console of his white Toyota Tacoma.

In other instances, Trudeau would access his drug stash, stored in a toolbox in his garage, to measure out various quantities on a scale using a "cup" to scoop out the substances. 

By July, according to the affidavit, Trudeau started to question the undercover officer directly on whether he was a police officer. A search warrant was granted on July 22. It wasn’t until July 27, when law enforcement issued both search and arrest warrants for Trudeau, in Tuftonboro.

During their investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized a variety of possessions from Trudeau’s residence on July 27.

Seized items included a handful of firearms ranging from a Glock GmBH pistol, a Ruger .22 revolver, and a Romarm/Cugir Mini Draco pistol. There were also personal items, including a $4,120 white gold chain necklace, assorted silver and gold bars valued at just under $11,000, and a variety of gold and silver coins valued at $31,898.

“Investigators located a total of twenty-one (21) firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, a night vision device, smoke grenades, a gas mask, U.S. currency, approximately 150 grams of suspected cocaine; approximately 50 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 370 grams of suspected fentanyl, and approximately 300 grams of suspected methamphetamine,” reads a police affidavit by Deputy Ethan Judd of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force.

The DEA led the investigation and was assisted by the Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force, according to the news release.

Trudeau is represented by Colin Sandiford, of Sisti Law Offices, in Concord.

Fentanyl analogue is the synthetic cousin to fentanyl, and features an altered chemical structure. It’s the newest way drug dealers are pushing options to their consumers while trying to skirt the law.

Take for example, carfentanil, a tranquilizer for large animals like the ones seen at the zoo. This is a well-known analogue roughly 100 times stronger than standard fentanyl, and 10,000 times stronger than morphine.

“A lethal dose of carfentanil, a fentanyl analog, is about the size of the head of a pin, requiring the full protection of hazmat suits,” reads information from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The DEA gave a safety alert: “Carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues present a serious risk to public safety, first responder, medical, treatment, and laboratory personnel. These substances can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, patch, and spray. Some forms can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally inhaled.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.