Springfield police say that 2.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized, and two men were detained for drug trafficking on Jan. 14 following a narcotics investigation. The operation involved the FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and Springfield officers.
Authorities claim they began to investigate the two men, ages 37 and 40 because they believed that they were delivering large volumes of cocaine. On Jan. 14, detectives set up extensive surveillance around the 37-year-old man's Fordham Street residence and followed him to the 40-year-old man's Brookline Avenue home at about 12:30 p.m.
The detectives decided to approach the men when they allegedly saw the 40-year-old entering the 37-year-old's vehicle with a package. A Springfield Police Department representative said that the package contained about 1 kilogram of cocaine. After a search, detectives allegedly found seven more cocaine bags, 15 crack cocaine bags, 50 heroin packets, and 49 oxycodone pills. The men reportedly had nearly $800 in cash combined as well.
Next, authorities carried out search warrants on the Fordham Street home and an Empire Street location. They reported the seizure of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine. Both men are charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine. The 37-year-old faces additional charges, including possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. Springfield police say that the investigation continues and more charges could be filed.
Massachusetts law enforces tough penalties against people who are convicted of drug trafficking. The accused, however, might be able to get the charges dismissed with the help of a lawyer if there is proof that authorities violated their rights. Alternatively, the charges and penalties may be reduced if it is proven that the defendants were not trafficking. Negotiating a plea bargain is another option if these tactics do not fit the defendants' situations.
Source: Mass Live, "2 Springfield men arrested, charged with trafficking 2 1/2 kilos of cocaine", Patrick Johnson, Jan. 15, 2015