BOSTON (WWLP) – Two Massachusetts men are facing federal drug charges after investigators seized tens of thousands of counterfeit pills, large quantities of methamphetamine, firearms, and pill-manufacturing equipment.
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According to court records, 29-year-old Franklin Argueta, of Lowell, and Luis Arias, of Somerville, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Investigators allege the case stems from an inquiry launched in August 2025 into suspected counterfeit pill manufacturing involving the two men. Authorities say that between August and October 2025, controlled purchases of pills were conducted from the suspects at locations in Middlesex County and Suffolk County.
Prosecutors allege that on Jan. 14, 2026, Argueta took about 10,000 pills from his Lowell residence and sold them to an undercover officer. On Feb. 10, 2026, investigators executed search warrants at residences tied to both defendants.
Authorities allege that at Argueta’s home, they located tens of thousands of counterfeit pills suspected to contain methamphetamine, approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and two firearms. At Arias’s residence, officials said they also found tens of thousands of suspected counterfeit methamphetamine pills and a firearm…