A Dominican national residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, has been apprehended and charged for his alleged role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore. The DTO is accused of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel.
Leury Then Rosario, 33, faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Rosario was detained following his arrest on February 25, 2025, with a hearing set for March 7, 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the case: “The alleged discovery of this defendant’s hidden trap wall concealing a stockpile of narcotics and weapons lays bare the dangerous reality of drug trafficking today: fentanyl and methamphetamine are flooding our communities, protected by deadly firepower.” She emphasized that law enforcement will continue efforts to dismantle such criminal networks.
Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division, stated: “Those who choose to distribute fentanyl...endanger their customers as well as the general public. Maintaining public safety requires that they be investigated and prosecuted aggressively.”
Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble noted the significance of collaborative efforts: “This arrest...is a culmination of a complex investigation by local, state and federal partners.” He reiterated the commitment to removing criminal elements from Massachusetts communities.
The investigation into this DTO began in January 2023. Authorities allege that Rosario was identified as a Lawrence-based trafficker within this network. Search warrants executed at his residence revealed equipment commonly used in drug processing or manufacturing alongside significant quantities of controlled substances.
Among items found were over 16 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances; cocaine; suspected fentanyl pressed into units known as "fingers"; cutting agents; pill presses; firearms including ghost guns; and an AR-15 style rifle.
Rosario's charges carry potential penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, supervised release for five years up to life, fines up to $10 million, and possible deportation post-sentence completion. Sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Foley along with DEA Acting SAC Belleau and MSP Colonel Noble. Assistance came from several local police departments including Natick, Newton, Waltham, Brookline, and Lawrence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno is handling prosecution duties.
This operation falls under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at disrupting major criminal organizations through coordinated multi-agency efforts.
All details within charging documents remain allegations until proven otherwise in court proceedings where defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.