Massive North Country drug probe results in 31 arrests

CONCORD - A coordinated drug enforcement operation in Coos and Grafton counties has led to the arrests of 31 individuals, according to a statement released earlier this week by the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The operation was a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local partners to focus on drug trafficking in the two northern counties. The enforcement effort targeted the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, which resulted in federal charges against five for federal drug offenses and an additional 26 for state drug offenses.

Over the course of the investigations, law enforcement seized more than 14 pounds of suspected fentanyl, more than two pounds of suspected methamphetamine, 183 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 93 grams of suspected powder cocaine, and $131,397 in U.S. currency.

The enforcement effort brought together nine law enforcement agencies to target individuals distributing drugs in communities throughout Coos and Grafton counties. The arrests resulted in the removal of individuals allegedly operating in the following New Hampshire communities: Berlin; Colebrook; Gorham; Groveton; Lancaster; Littleton; Stratford; and Whitefield.

The following defendants were arrested on federal charges:

1. John King, 33, of Berlin, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. King made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 19, 2023 and is detained.

2. Rose Hand, 39, of Berlin, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Hand made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 19, 2023 and is temporarily detained.

3. Clarisa C. Haas, 26, of Berlin, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, fentanyl. Haas made an initial appearance in federal court in Concord on April 20, 2023 and is detained.

4. Kimberly Supernois, 27, of Norton, VT for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. An initial appearance for Supernois has not been scheduled.

5. Alec Supernois, 28, of Norton, VT for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. An initial appearance for Supernois has not been scheduled.

The charges provide for a maximum term of 20 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, and a minimum of three years of supervised release.

The DEA, New England Field Division; the New Hampshire State Police; and the New Hampshire Drug Task Force led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Colebrook Police Department; the Berlin Police Department; the Coos County Sheriff's Department; the Whitefield Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Lancaster Police Department; and the United States Border Patrol.