Staff reports 7:32 a.m.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 7:32 am

CONCORD - A Sanbornville man was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Tuesday.

James Coughlin, 38, who is formerly of Milton Mills, conspired with individuals in California to have quantities of "ice" methamphetamine shipped to him at his Sanbornville residence. During the investigation, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing approximately 460 grams of "ice" methamphetamine intended for Coughlin.

In 2019, an individual who was cooperating with the New Hampshire Attorney General's Drug Task Force made seven controlled purchases of "ice" methamphetamine from Coughlin at his Sanbornville home. On Jan. 4, 2020, federal and state law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Coughlin's residence and seized approximately 61 grams of "ice" methamphetamine, cash, firearms, and ammunition.

Because Coughlin previously had been convicted of a felony, it was unlawful for him to possess the firearms and ammunition.

Coughlin pleaded guilty on Feb. 4.

"Methamphetamine trafficking poses a significant risk to communities throughout New Hampshire," said Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Farley. "The risk to public safety is further heightened when drug traffickers are armed. Thanks to the hard work of a team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, this individual will no longer be able to endanger the citizens of the Granite State."

"Coughlin presented a danger to the public in many forms; the Court's sentence ensures he will not be able to continue his crimes," added William S. Walker, acting Special Agent In Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston. "We credit the strong commitment of the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Hampshire and our numerous local, state, and federal partners for their contributions to this investigation."