PORTSMOUTH — Two brothers were arrested Monday night on charges alleging they sold multiple kinds of illegal drugs to Portsmouth High School students and they're being investigated for laundering the profits, said Deputy Police Chief Corey MacDonald.

PORTSMOUTH — Two brothers were arrested Monday night on charges alleging they sold multiple kinds of illegal drugs to Portsmouth High School students and they're being investigated for laundering the profits, said Deputy Police Chief Corey MacDonald.



The brothers, ages 15 and 16, were arrested at their Portsmouth residence, where they were found in possession of methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, bath salts, hashish, marijuana, Adderall and "numerous other prescription drugs," MacDonald said. Also seized were hypodermic needles, scales, hundreds of "drug baggies," cell phones, laptops, knives and other "unique weaponry," MacDonald said.



Police photos of the alleged evidence shows canning jars containing pills and marijuana buds, as well as a five-blade knife.

The teens live with their mother, who is not charged with any crime, according to the deputy chief. Police are not disclosing their address.



The brothers' arrests were based on information from the Manchester office of the Department of Homeland Security and because the siblings are minors, their identities are shielded by law and their cases will be prosecuted through the confidential juvenile justice system, MacDonald said.

Asked whether the 16-year-old would be prosecuted as an adult, MacDonald said police are exploring that option.



According to police, it's believed that some of the drugs were obtained from international sources, but MacDonald declined to elaborate. He said a parallel investigation has begun with federal law enforcement authorities with regard to allegations that the teens laundered the drug proceeds through various legitimate investments. A police photo from the scene of the arrests shows images of postal money orders, two in $1,000 denominations and another for $250.



Anyone with information about the case is urged to call detective Scott Study at 436-2511. Anonymous tips can be made by visiting www.seacoastcrimestoppers.org or sending an SMS text to CRIMES (274637) and including TIPSCS in your message. Cash rewards of up to $1,000 are paid for information leading to arrests and indictments.