Two Massachusetts men are facing federal drug charges after authorities confiscated tens of thousands of counterfeit pills, substantial amounts of methamphetamine, guns, and pill-manufacturing equipment.
According to court documents, 29-year-old Franklin Argueta of Lowell and Luis Arias of Somerville were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled drugs.
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Investigators claim the case stems from an investigation launched in August 2025 into the two men’s suspected counterfeit pill manufacturing. Authorities claim that between August and October 2025, controlled purchases of tablets were made from the accused at sites in Middlesex and Suffolk counties.
Prosecutors claim that on January 14, 2026, Argueta grabbed around 10,000 tablets from his Lowell home and sold them to an undercover cop. On February 10, 2026, investigators executed search warrants at homes associated with both defendants.
Authorities claim to have discovered tens of thousands of counterfeit pills suspected of containing methamphetamine, around 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and two weapons at Argueta’s residence. Officials said they discovered tens of thousands of suspected counterfeit methamphetamine pills at Arias’ home, as well as a handgun.
According to court documents, investigators also seized two pill press machines used to create counterfeit pills, as well as dozens of bags of filler material used in the production process.
The conspiracy accusation carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.
The defendants were arrested during their initial hearings in federal court in Boston earlier Thursday. The lawsuit is still continuing, and the claims have not been proven in court.
