Nashua Drug Sweep: 3 Arrested In 'Granite Shield'

NASHUA, NH — Three suspects were arrested Thursday in the latest Nashua drug sweep, police announced Friday. The suspects were charged with crimes involving heroin and Adderall, according to Nashua police Capt. James Testaverde. The drug sweep was part of Nashua police's ongoing "Operation Granite Shield," a state-funded initiative targeting the state's opioid distribution network.

It was the 23rd drug sweep in Nashua so far this year. A total of 130 suspects have been arrested in those sweeps. The latest sweep resulted in "individuals ... arrested for various drug crimes, and various crimes frequently associated with criminal behavior related to drug activity," Testaverde said in a statement.

The suspects arrested Thursday were identified as:

David Steele, 30, of Nashua, was charged with heroin and Adderall possession. He was held on $5,000 bail.

Dakota Carter, 24, of Nashua, was charged with selling heroin (second offense). He was held on $25,000 bail and faces enhanced penalties for his criminal history, police said.

Paul Mangiafico, 27, of Nashua, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in court related to a drug charge. He was held in $1,000 bail.

All suspects were scheduled for arraignments Friday in Nashua District Court. Testaverde said anyone with information about illegal drug activity in the city should contact the Nashua police narcotics hotline at 603-594-3597.

Photo: From left to right: David Steele, Dakota Carter and Paul Mangiafico. (Credit: Nashua Police Department)