7 more arrests as part of Operation Granite Hammer

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Clockwise from top left: Christie Colby, Michael Jones, Aaron Cantrell, Justin Pastrana, Matthew Barry, Michael Byrne.
Clockwise from top left: Christy Colby, Michael Jones, Aaron Cantrell, Justin Pastrana, Matthew Barry, Michael Byrne.

MANCHESTER, NH – In an effort to disrupt the street level narcotics trade, Manchester Police Department Special Enforcement Division in conjunction with The New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit and the Drug Enforcement Agency (HIDTA) conducted an investigation leading to several arrests and drug seizure on Oct. 8 as part of Operation Granite Hammer.

At approximately 5 a.m. Manchester Police Department’s Special Enforcement Division Detectives obtained a search warrant for 282 Laurel Street, 1st floor rear, as a part of their investigation into an alleged crystal methamphetamine operation.

Drugs and cash seized during Oct. 8 Operation Granite Hammer.
Drugs and cash seized during Oct. 8 Operation Granite Hammer.

Upon executing the search warrant at the residence, a detective witnessed a male subject/ target of the investigation throw a shaving bag out of the bedroom window. The male subject of the investigation was identified as Michael Jones, 43. Jones and a female, Christy Colby, 28, were located inside of the apartment. Also located within the apartment was approximately 103 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 37 suboxone strips, 1 gram of cocaine and approximately $5,450 in cash. As a result of the investigation  Jones was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug. Colby was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for receiving stolen property.

Also arrested during the investigation were the following:

  • Justin Pastrana 28, of Manchester – Warrant (possession of a controlled drug/heroin)
  • Matthew Barry, 29, of Manchester – Warrant (possession of a controlled drug) and a warrant from an outside agency
  • Michael Byrne, 22, of Manchester – Possession with intent to distribute (heroin) 2.7 grams
  • Kristle Gifford, 32, of Manchester, – Possession of a controlled drug (marijuana) 2 grams (no photo available).
  • Aaron Cantrell, 27, of Manchester, NH- Possession of a controlled drug with the intent to distribute (heroin 20 grams, marijuana 7 grams) and violation of bail conditions.
  • Michael Jones, 43, of Manchester – Possession of a controlled drug (crystal methamphetamine, 103 grams)
  • Christy Colby, 28, of Manchester, NH – warrant (receiving stolen property)

Also arrested during the investigation were the following:

Operation Granite Hammer has so far resulted in 10 arrests (eight of which were drug related either by sale of controlled drug or possession of a controlled drug). There has been a significant seizure of narcotics to include 42.7 grams of heroin carrying a street value of $4,200, 118.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine with a street value of $20,000, 37 suboxone strips with a street value of $185, 1 gram of cocaine with a street value of $100 and $5,450 in cash.

                                                                                                            

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!