A man from Lawrence, Massachusetts was arrested as part of an investigation into a drug manufacturing operation. Federal authorities allege that Aris Arvelo Gonzalez, 37, conspired to manufacture and distribute counterfeit pills in the area.
Gonzalez appeared in federal court in Boston on Thursday, where he was charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was detained following his initial appearance, pending a hearing set for November 25.
According to court documents, Gonzalez and another individual known as La Culebra operated a large-scale drug manufacturing site inside an apartment in Methuen. In August 2025, law enforcement searched the Methuen apartment and reportedly found more than 18 kilograms of controlled substances along with a pill press. Three alleged co-conspirators—Joshua Morales, Manuel Santana-Soto, and Jose Vasquez Lantigua—were arrested after this search.
Officials state that while on pretrial release for prior drug offenses in New Hampshire earlier this year, Gonzalez allegedly sold over 1,500 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to both a confidential informant and an undercover agent between July and November 2025.
During Gonzalez’s arrest on Thursday morning, police say they found him with thousands of counterfeit pills packaged in smaller bags and a large amount of cash. Search warrants were also executed at three Lawrence locations reportedly linked to Gonzalez and the “La Culebra” organization. These searches allegedly uncovered items used for making counterfeit Percocet containing fentanyl—including another pill press and a 25-kilogram bag of pill binding agent.
The charges against Gonzalez carry possible sentences of up to 20 years in prison, supervised release ranging from three years to life, and fines up to $1 million. Sentences are ultimately determined by federal judges based on guidelines and statutes governing criminal cases.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the arrest along with officials from the FBI Boston Division, Drug Enforcement Administration New England Division, Massachusetts State Police Superintendent’s office, and assistance from the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is prosecuting the case.
The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice targeting illegal immigration as well as cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts involving various task forces.
Authorities note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
