Gilford woman gets 3+ years for dealing fentanyl

CONCORD - A Gilford woman was sentenced on Friday to 37 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, law enforcement officers received information that Sara Zareas, 36, would be traveling to Methuen, Mass., to purchase fentanyl.

Law enforcement officers followed the truck and observed a hand-to-hand transaction between the occupants of the truck and another vehicle in a parking lot. A New Hampshire state trooper later conducted a traffic stop of the truck as it drove through Windham during which the truck operator admitted she drove Zareas to Methuen to buy fentanyl in exchange for a small amount for herself.

Zareas consented to a search of her backpack and person which revealed scales, cellophane bags, and opioid kits. Zareas and the driver also had more than 41 grams of fentanyl in their possession.

Zareas pleaded guilty on April 7.