A man from Gilmanton Iron Works is facing a string of drug and weapons-related charges after two separate police actions in Hooksett and Manchester produced large quantities of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and bundled cash, police said.
Traffic stop led to search warrant, sizeable fentanyl find
Hooksett police said the case began in the predawn hours of May 11, when officers stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer on West River Road for a suspended registration. The stop led officers to seize the vehicle and seek a search warrant after observing drug paraphernalia inside, Lt. Valerie Lamy of the Hooksett Police Department said.
When the warrant was later executed on a backpack found in the trunk, officers allege they recovered approximately 720 grams of suspected fentanyl in pressed sticks, about 70 grams of crack cocaine, a scale and more than $7,000 in rolled and banded cash. A warrant was issued charging the driver’s passenger, identified as Matthew Stark, 38, of Gilmanton Iron Works, with drug possession and drug sale offenses.
“During the execution of the search warrant, police seized approximately 701 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl, 119 grams of suspected methamphetamine,”
Manchester search turns up further narcotics
On July 8, Manchester police arrested Stark on the Hooksett warrant and additional drug charges after receiving information that he was inside an apartment on Spruce Street, Heather Hamel of the Manchester Police Department said. The department’s Special Enforcement Division, along with a SWAT team and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search warrant at the apartment.
Authorities reported seizing roughly 701 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl and about 119 grams of suspected methamphetamine during the Manchester search. Police said the case added more drug charges to the existing arrest warrant from Hooksett.
Local context and consequences
The quantities alleged in these searches are notable for the region. Large, pressed fentanyl bricks and quantities of meth have been central to New Hampshire’s overdose and enforcement challenges in recent years. Seizures of this size suggest distribution-level activity, which typically prompts broader investigations into supply chains and associates.
- Suspect: Matthew Stark, 38, of Gilmanton Iron Works
- Initial stop: Hooksett, May 11 — vehicle seized for suspended registration
- Manchester arrest: July 8 — search of Spruce Street apartment by Manchester police SEU, SWAT and county sheriff
| Item | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Suspected fentanyl (Hooksett) | ~720 grams (pressed sticks) |
| Suspected crack cocaine (Hooksett) | ~70 grams |
| Cash (Hooksett) | More than $7,000 |
| Suspected heroin/fentanyl (Manchester) | ~701 grams |
| Suspected methamphetamine (Manchester) | ~119 grams |
Officials did not provide full charging documents in the public notices cited by police spokespeople, and it's not yet clear whether additional arrests or indictments will follow. Residents with information about the investigation were directed to contact the Manchester Police Department's Special Enforcement Division.
The case underscores continuing enforcement efforts targeting large-scale drug distribution in southern New Hampshire, and the cooperation between neighboring departments — in this instance Hooksett and Manchester police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department — as they pursue linked investigations across municipal lines.
