A Gilford man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for drug-related offenses, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. Spiros Athanasopoulos, aged 46, received a sentence of 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. In February 2025, Athanasopoulos admitted guilt to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
“This sentence reflects the serious danger posed by those who traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine, especially when they also attempt to flee law enforcement and endanger the public,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Our office remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of these drugs.”
Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies: “It doesn’t matter if it’s a large-scale drug trafficking organization or an individual like Spiros Athanasopoulos who was distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine out of his home in Gilford, New Hampshire; the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to put those who have furthered the scourge of drugs in our neighborhoods out of business.” He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships among law enforcement agencies.
Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge at the New England Field Division, commented on the harm caused by such drugs: “Drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are causing tremendous damage to our communities. Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of citizens in the Granite State.” He reiterated that combatting this epidemic is a top priority for DEA through collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.
Court documents reveal that in June 2021, Athanasopoulos attempted to evade capture from New Hampton Police Department officers on a stolen motorcycle. The pursuit ended with a crash during which he discarded a jar containing fentanyl and methamphetamine from his backpack. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered significant quantities of both substances along with cash, firearms, and body armor. Laboratory tests confirmed possession exceeding 100 grams of fentanyl and over 200 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with support from Gilford Police Department and New Hampton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted this case.
