A man wanted by New Hampshire authorities for 16 years has been captured just across the state line in Massachusetts.

Police investigating reports of possible drug activity at a Methuen (mih-THOO'-uhn) home earlier this month arrested 39-year-old Eric Rivera-Velez.

Rivera-Velez was detained until his identify was verified.

Police tell The Eagle-Tribune that he had several fake names, altered fingerprints, and was listed on Rockingham County, New Hampshire's, most wanted list where he'd been sought by police since 2002. He had several outstanding warrants for narcotics offenses in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

He's charged with trafficking 18 kilograms or more of cocaine near a school or park, being a fugitive from justice, and conspiracy to sell a narcotic drug. It was not immediately clear if he has a lawyer.

___

Information from: Eagle Tribune (North Andover, Mass.), http://www.eagletribune.com