Saugus Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Drug Trafficking

Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr. led a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization that distributed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:44pm

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A 35-year-old Saugus man, Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr., was sentenced to 19 years in prison for leading a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Nagle pleaded guilty to charges including drug trafficking, firearms possession, and money laundering.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the dangers of counterfeit prescription drugs laced with powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It also demonstrates the efforts of federal and local law enforcement to target large-scale drug trafficking operations and disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs.

The details

Nagle was one of 27 individuals charged in connection with the wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy. He and his brother, Christopher Nagle, were identified as leaders of the DTO that distributed significant quantities of controlled substances, including counterfeit Adderall, methamphetamine, Xanax, and counterfeit Oxycodone containing fentanyl. Law enforcement seized over 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills, 1,000 counterfeit Oxycodone pills, and large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine during the investigation.

  • In 2018, law enforcement identified Nagle, Jr. and his brother as leaders of the drug trafficking organization.
  • In January 2022, a search of Christopher Nagle's apartment recovered over 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills.
  • On October 25, 2022, a search of Nagle, Jr.'s homes resulted in the seizure of over 7.8 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 650 grams of methamphetamine.
  • In April 2025, Nagle, Jr. pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • In August 2024, Christopher Nagle was sentenced to 139 months in prison.

The players

Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr.

A 35-year-old Saugus man who was sentenced to 19 years in prison for leading a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization.

Christopher Nagle

The brother of Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr. who was also identified as a leader of the drug trafficking organization and was sentenced to 139 months in prison.

Leah B. Foley

The United States Attorney who announced the sentencing of Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr.

Jarod A. Forget

The Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, who announced the sentencing.

Geoffrey D. Noble

The Colonel and Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police who announced the sentencing.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the dangers of counterfeit prescription drugs laced with powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl.”

— Leah B. Foley, United States Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Christopher Nagle out on bail.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the efforts of federal and local law enforcement to target large-scale drug trafficking operations and disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs, particularly counterfeit pills containing deadly substances like fentanyl.