Nantucket residents' 'shocking' excuses for migrant drug dealer arrested in major bust

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Residents of Nantucket are describing a suspected migrant drug dealer caught in what's being called Nantucket's "biggest ever cocaine bust" as a "person of high character."

Town residents have come to the defense of 31-year-old Francisco Fernandez Sanchez this week after he was busted with over 2.5 kg of cocaine and drug paraphernalia in February, The Daily Mail reports.

The cocaine reportedly had an estimated street value of over $250,000, the Natucket Police Department shared. Prosecutors said the seizure of drugs was the largest cocaine bust in the history of Nantucket Island.

The Nantucket Current reports that ahead of Sanchez' Tuesday hearing, friends and family, including town residents, sent letters claiming Sanchez "poses no threat to the community" and that Sanchez is trying to turn his life around.

Sanchez' attorney, Patrick Callaghan, pleaded with the judge for his release, saying he was in the military in his native Dominican Republic before he moved to the U.S. legally with a green card in 2018, the outlet reported.

Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Diane Freniere was reportedly not impressed with those arguments, telling Callaghan, "Cocaine kills people" and setting his bail at $75,000 cash.

If convicted, Sanchez faces a sentencing minimum of 12 years as prosecutors work to show he is a major dealer in Martha's Vineyard. He could also face deportation if convicted. Martha's Vineyard is a largely popular summer travel destination for the wealthy, including billionaires.

Sanchez has remained in custody since his February booking and has yet to post bail, the outlet reports.