Alleged Meth Manufacturer Arrested After Investigation

DUNBARTON, NH — A local man was arrested last night after a multi-agency effort into finding out who had been cooking methamphetamine at a local pond during the past few weeks, according to police. Derek Winters, 36, of Manchester, was arrested on Oct. 4, 2016, on two counts of manufacturing methamphetamine, driving while a habitual offender, driving without giving proof, operating after suspension-subsequent offense, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Dunbarton Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

According to police, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Clandestine Lab Enforcement team along with officers from Goffstown and Dunbarton arrested Winters after investigating pots of meth and other drug paraphernalia found at Purgatory Pond on two different occasions in September.

Last night, police found Winters at the pond’s boat launch allegedly cooking up a pot of meth. Police, according to Sgt. Chris Remillard of the Dunbarton Police Department, also allegedly found in his vehicle “a significant amount of additional evidence linked to methamphetamine manufacturing." In a statement, Remillard added, “The investigation is ongoing and additional charges will likely be filed.”

Winters refused bail and was transported to the Merrimack County House of Corrections. He was arraigned today and held on $5,000 cash bail. Winters has a probable cause hearing scheduled for November.