Harrison Thorp 2:06 p.m.
Friday, March 20, 2026 2:05 pm

CONCORD - Two Massachusetts men have been indicted for drug offenses that occurred while allegedly trafficking meth and fentanyl in the Rochester area the past two years.

Francis Miguel Rodriguez, 27, and Roberto Ramon-Avalo, 26, were charged by indictment on Wednesday with Rodriguez formally charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute and both men charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Both were previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Dec. 2.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, beginning in early 2024, the DEA began an investigation into an unknown individual who was selling multiple-ounce quantities of methamphetamine in the Rochester area. During the investigation, in June 2024, during a traffic stop, a narcotics-detecting K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances in Rodriguez' vehicle, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Concord said today in a press release. Law enforcement later found substantial quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl hidden in two black magnetic boxes secreted in the front passenger side wheel well.

Thereafter, two DEA cooperating sources (or "CS") communicated with Rodriguez to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl. Each time, Avalo traveled to New Hampshire to deliver the drugs at the agreed upon price. In December 2025, DEA obtained arrest warrants for Rodriguez and Avalo and a search warrant for a suspected drug house in Boston that they were using to conduct their drug trafficking activity. In the residence, DEA found items used to package and mix narcotics and approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine and other controlled substances. After Avalo's arrest, DEA found more controlled substances in a drug hide built into the dash of his car, including more than 200 grams of methamphetamine and more than 700 grams of fentanyl.

The charges of possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance each carry a sentence of up to 20 years' incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is prosecuting the case.