A Manchester resident has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Zachary Austin, 41, received an 84-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Joseph N. Laplante and will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Austin pleaded guilty on February 25, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. His co-defendant, Joseph Coffey, has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
“Distributing three pounds of methamphetamine is a serious crime with serious consequences,” said Acting United States Attorney Jay McCormack. “This seven-year sentence reflects the harm these drugs inflict on our communities and the commitment of law enforcement to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes but should serve as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and across the United States. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The DEA is dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
Court documents indicate that Austin and Coffey ran a methamphetamine distribution operation from their shared apartment in Manchester between July and September 2024. During this period, they sold methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement officers five times. Subsequent searches led authorities to recover about 1.66 kilograms (3.66 pounds) of methamphetamine from their residence and vehicle.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation into this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
