A 10-week investigation in the Merrimack Valley called Operation Devil’s Highway ended with 38 people arrested and charged with federal drug offenses. At least a dozen more are facing state charges.

The operation, which was coordinated by federal, state, and local agencies, targeted drug distribution activity in Lawrence and between Lawrence and New Hampshire. It led to the seizure of 29 kilograms of cocaine, more than 14 kilograms of fentanyl, five kilograms of heroin, four firearms, and body armor, according to a release from the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s office.

“Operation Devil’s Highway should serve as a warning to others thinking of filling the void created by these arrests,” Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston division, said in a statement. “We aren’t finished.”


Those facing federal charges range from age 18 to 51. Most are from Lawrence, and some are from Methuen, North Andover, Haverhill, and Revere. Two defendants are from out of state.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling called Lawrence a “hub of illegal drug distribution for all of New England” in a statement.

A full list of names and charges can he found here.