Andre Watson, 47, of Nashua will be sentenced on July 16 after pleading guilty to his involvement in a national drug trafficking ring. Courtesy photo/New Hampshire Department of Corrections

NASHUA – Andre Watson, 47, of Nashua, could spend the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty, on April 3, to his involvement in a nationwide drug trafficking ring.

In October 2020, federal law enforcement officials acted on information they received regarding a large methamphetamine supplier that was operating in the Boston area, according to the New England Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

By the end of 2020, investigators determined that Watson was receiving “multi-pound quantities” of methamphetamine from Reshat Alkayisi, who was facilitating the operation.

According to authorities, Watson had received four pounds of methamphetamine from Alkayisi by May 2021. Watson was arrested two months later when he was found in possession of several weapons including a loaded handgun.

In September 2021, Watson was charged in a “superseding indictment” for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

Watson now faces 10 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. He will be sentenced on July 16.

The indictment also included the names of 10 other defendants, including Alkayisi, a Turkish national living in Coventry, R.I.

While investigating Alkayisi, law enforcement officials seized more than 160 pounds of methamphetamine, an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, $23,000 in cash, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and more than 4,200 rounds of ammunition. An illegal marijuana grow operation was also dismantled.

According to the sales ledger on Alkayisi’s computer, he distributed more than 660 pounds of methamphetamine from January through June 2021.

Alkayisi was charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking as well as money laundering conspiracy and money laundering.

He pleaded guilty on April 2 and will be sentenced on July 11. Alkayisi faces 35 years to life in prison, 11 years of supervised release and a fine of $10.7 million.

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