BOSTON — A New Hampshire man was sentenced to eight years in federal prison today for his involvement in a nationwide drug trafficking ring that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the New England area. Eric Daneault, 48, of Manchester, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton and will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
Daneault pleaded guilty in February 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was one of 11 individuals charged in a superseding indictment that included offenses related to drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering.
The investigation, which began in late 2020, led authorities to identify Reshat Alkayisi as a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Boston area. Alkayisi distributed multi-pound quantities of meth to co-conspirators, including Daneault, who received over 5.3 kilograms of methamphetamine from Alkayisi in May 2021.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as several firearms, including an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns, and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition. Authorities also dismantled an illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of plants.
Daneault is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in connection with the drug trafficking ring. All other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.