State Police report they have seized 18 kilograms of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl.
One kilo of fentanyl, the DEA states, “has the potential to kill 500,000 people.” This bust is a lot of lives saved. (9 million, using DEA math.)
A task force zeroed in on a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization that was supplying fentanyl throughout the Merrimack Valley, MSP said.
“Operation Philly Special,” State Police added, was the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction and Enforcement Team (CINRET), Troopers assigned to the Attorney General’s Office, federal Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Salem, New Hampshire Police, under the direction of Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s Office.
The seized fentanyl, once cut up and sold on the street, would have an estimated value of nearly $1 million.
The task force also seized two semi-automatic pistols, approximately $10,000 suspected to be drug trafficking proceeds, a Mercedes Benz, and a portable hydraulic compartment suspected of having been used to secrete drugs and money.
ARRESTED:
RAFAEL SALDANA DIAS, 26, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 36 grams (4 counts)
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
Conspiracy (1 count)
Bail set for $250,000
YOSMEIRY MARTINEZ RAMON, 21, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
Conspiracy (1 count)
Bail set for $2,500
FREDDY ALEXANDER SUAZO TEJEDA, 36, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
Conspiracy (1 count)
Bail set for $100,000
RAFELIN LUGO TEJEDA, 32, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
Conspiracy (1 count)
Bail set for $100,000
YAHANNYS ANZIANI, 34, of Lawrence
Unlawful Possession of Firearm (1 count)
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition (1 count)
Child Endangerment (1 count)
Bail set for $2,500
AUGUST MOSCAT, 39, of Lawrence
Unlawful Possession of Firearm (1 count)
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition (1 count)
Child Endangerment (1 count)
Bail set for $2,500
HENDERSON MARTINEZ, 34, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 36 grams (1 count)
Bail set for $100,000
WILKIN ANTONIO PEREZ, 26, of Lawrence
Trafficking a Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
Bail set for $10,000
MARCOS SANTOS, 37, of Lawrence
Conspiracy (1 count)
Released on personal recognizance
MIGUEL MEDRANO, 55, of Lynn
Trafficking of Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
Bail set for $250,000
HENDERSON MARTIN, 34, of Lawrence
Trafficking of Class A substance, over 200 grams (1 count)
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Division Chief Christina Ronan and Assistant Attorney General Gretchen Brodigan of the AG’s Enterprise & Major Crimes Division.