LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) - State police investigators have seized about 5 1/2 pounds (2 1/2 kilograms) of suspected fentanyl and arrested a man they describe as a Lawrence-based supplier of the powerful opioid after a month-long investigation, the agency said Friday.
Police initially targeted the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine by two suspects in Fall River. The investigation, which included a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl, allowed troopers to secure search warrants for an apartment in Fall River and two vehicles.
The search of one vehicle Thursday yielded eight bricks of suspected fentanyl wrapped in cellophane; two plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl; a gun, a pill bottle containing numerous light blue pills; and a purse holding plastic bags, a digital scale, and a knife.
Police found about $11,600 in another vehicle that police suspect were the proceeds of illicit drug sales.
As a result of the Fall River searches, investigators were able to set up delivery of more drugs.
Later Thursday night, police arrested Jose Baez-Lara, 32, of Lawrence, at a Fall River restaurant. He allegedly had more fentanyl in his vehicle. It’s not clear if he has an attorney. The names of the Fall River suspects were not released.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.