A Salem, Massachusetts man has been sentenced in federal court for his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing tens of thousands of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine. Gino Castillo, 35, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in the North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). In April 2025, Castillo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
According to court records, Castillo was one of 27 individuals charged in connection with the wide-ranging conspiracy. All 27 defendants have since pleaded guilty, with 22 already sentenced. In Castillo’s case, he purchased 500 counterfeit pills for redistribution and was later observed assisting DTO leader Lawrence Michael Nagle Jr. with moving into a Salem apartment that would serve as a stash location. During a search of that apartment, law enforcement found counterfeit pills hidden in both a safe and a toilet tank, confirming the location’s role in the operation.
Drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute are serious federal offenses. Individuals convicted of these charges may face significant prison time, supervised release, and fines. The exact penalties depend on the quantity and type of drugs involved, the individual’s prior criminal history, and other aggravating factors. In many federal drug cases, mandatory minimum sentences apply—particularly when fentanyl is involved due to its high potency and link to overdose deaths.
Those charged with federal drug crimes must also consider long-term consequences beyond incarceration. A felony drug conviction can impact future employment, housing, and access to public benefits. Legal defense in these cases often centers on challenging evidence, negotiating plea agreements, or reducing sentencing exposure through cooperation or mitigation strategies.
This case was part of a broader Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which targets major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations across the country. The collaborative effort of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in dismantling this DTO underscores the serious and coordinated response to the growing threat posed by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
At Dhar Law, LLP, our firm has extensive experience defending individuals charged in federal drug conspiracies and related offenses. We understand the stakes, and we know how to build a strategic defense in even the most complex cases.
Contact us today at 617-880-6155 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you navigate federal drug charges and fight for your rights and your future.
