Police make 13 drug-related arrests on Wednesday morning

LACONIA — In an early morning drug sweep yesterday, city police working with the Belmont Police, the Attorney General's Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Marshal's Service arrested 13 people on warrants for a variety of drug charges.

The arrests, according to Capt. William Clary were done between 6 and 7:30 a.m. and most of the warrant stemmed from investigations conducted by the newly created drug unit at the Police Department.

Polce did not allege a connection between any of the 13 people arrested.

Arrested in yesterday morning's sweep were Robert Rama, 20, of 72 Batchelder St. for one count of possession of marijuana; Ryan Tuckett, 32, of 328 South Main St. Apt. C for one count of possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute; and Betsy Page, 54, of 371 Union Ave #3 for one count of sales of a controlled drug, marijuana, in a school zone.

Also arrested was Ronald Steele, 19, of 111 Warren St. with one count of possession of marijuana; Bradley Swinton, 66, of one count of possession of a controlled drug, marijuana, with intent to distribute and Sarah Smith, 26, of 103 Blueberry Lane #24 for conspiracy to sell a narcotic drug — crack cocaine.

Stacey Gates, 37, of 24 Arlene Drive in Belmont was charged with one count of sale of a narcotic drug — heroin — and one count of criminal liability for conduct of another — aid in sale of heroin. Elisabeth Gates, 35, also of 24 Arlene Drive in Belmont was charged with one count of sale of a narcotic drug — heroin.

Kerry Defeo, 26, of 20 True Road in Meredith was charged with one count of transporting sales of a narcotic drug in a motor vehicle — oxycodone; Alisha Morgan, 32, of 296 New Hampton Road in Franklin was charged with three counts of sales of a narcotic drug — cocaine, and William Butler, 32, of 16 Drake Road in New Hampton was charged with one count of possession of heroin, one count of possession of Suboxen and one count of possession of Gabapentin.

Garrett Brue, 19, of 64 Summer St. in Laconia was charged with one count of conspiracy to sales of a narcotic drug — oxycodone and Nicholas Ross, 27, of 55 Hacket Hill Road in Belmont was charged with one count of sale of a narcotic drug — oxycodone.

All of the above were released on personal recognizance bail and given court dates.

"The Laconia Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate drug crimes in the city," Clary said.

Lt. Richard Mann of the Belmont Police said he was glad to assist the Laconia Police and the other agencies involved in the investigations and arrests and his department will also continue to aggressively pursue drug activity in town.