Five people were arrested on many serious charges when multiple agencies in Massachusetts organized a sting operation in an attempt to crack down on individuals who openly sell narcotics in public spaces.
According to reports, the authorities have been focusing on the amount of illicit drugs they believe are being sold on the streets. The Holyoke Police Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit West, Massachusetts State Police S.A.F.E. Task Force, and Hampden County District Attorney’s Narcotics Task Force teamed up and planned a sting in the open-air drug market spots in Holyoke.
When agents began the operation on June 2, they successfully arrested five individuals they believed were involved. The first two, identified as local men ages 33 and 30, were allegedly seen making what looked like drug sales transactions on a street in the center of downtown. When the 33-year-old was searched, the authorities reported that they found 10 bags holding a substance they believed was heroin. He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to violate drug law, distribution of a Class A drug, and possession of a Class B drug. They also believed the 30-year-old, who left in a vehicle before he was taken into custody during a traffic stop nearby, was involved in the operation. He has been accused of distribution of a Class A drug and conspiracy to violate drug law.
Three additional suspects, ages 43, 44, and 56, were found in another part of town. They were all allegedly seen selling drugs. When the 43-year-old was searched, he was reportedly holding 15 grams of cocaine and was arrested for distribution of a Class B drug, and an active arrest warrant. The 44-year-old was allegedly found with a stolen firearm and just under 60 grams of cocaine. He may face a multitude of charges, including carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, cocaine trafficking between 36 and 100 grams, possession of ammunition without an FID card, carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of a Class A drug, and receiving stolen property less than $1,200. The third man, who was reportedly in possession of 90 bags of heroin and several cocaine pills was arrested for distribution of a Class A drug, possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug, possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug, and possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a drug offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.