A Massachusetts man pled guilty in federal court in Boston to narcotics charges stemming from a drug manufacturing ring.
According to a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Justice, Joshua Morales, 31, pled guilty to one count of possessing controlled drugs with intent to distribute. Judge Patti B. Saris of the United States Senior District Court has scheduled a sentence hearing for June 12, 2026. Morales was accused in August 2025.
According to the charging documents, law enforcement officers spotted Morales entering a Methuen property and departing with a large orange bag. According to court records, investigators were aware that the property was a suspected narcotics distribution and manufacturing facility. While being watched, Morales drove to a site near Lawrence, where he was captured. During the search of Morales’ vehicle, 10,000 counterfeit Percocet pills suspected of containing fentanyl were discovered.
During a search of the Methuen residence, an automated pill press was discovered, along with many kilograms of counterfeit Adderall and Percocet pills suspected of containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Numerous materials involved in the pill production process were found, including cutting agents, blenders, scales, bowls, and bags containing probable fentanyl and methamphetamine powders and binding ingredients.
The crime of possessing a controlled narcotic with intent to distribute carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life on supervised release, and a $1 million fine. A federal district court judge imposes sentences based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the legislation that govern sentence determination in criminal cases.
The statement was delivered by United States Attorney Leah Foley, Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Peabody Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office all gave valuable help. Philip A. Mallard, Assistant United States Attorney for the Organized Crime and Gang Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The Boston Homeland Security Task Force investigated and prosecuted the case as part of Operation Take Back America.