Press Release  Four Individuals Arrested in Connection With Drug Trafficking Operation in Joint Federal-state Investigation

LAWRENCE —  Four individuals have been charged in connection with running a drug trafficking operation in Massachusetts and New Hampshire involving more than 750 grams of heroin, fentanyl and illegal firearms, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

The charges are the result of an extensive investigation by the State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, the State Police Transportation Drug Unit, the New England Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, with assistance from the Lawrence and Methuen Police Departments.

“The opioid epidemic is continuing to devastate communities across our state,” said AG Healey. “We are committed to working with our partners in law enforcement to tackle this crisis from all fronts, including the disruption of drug trafficking networks that pump pills, heroin and fentanyl onto our streets.”

On Tuesday night in Methuen, authorities arrested Marcus Distefano, 28, and Jose Alberto Valero, 29, both of Methuen. They were arraigned Wednesday morning in Lawrence District Court on the charges of Trafficking over 200 grams of heroin (one count each), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (one count each), Possession of a Firearm without a FID card (two counts each) and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (two counts each). They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Valero was held on $1 million cash bail and Distefano on $100,000. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court on June 21 for a probable cause hearing.

Authorities also arrested Andres Lopez-Gomes, 41, of Hazleton, Pa., in Methuen and Jaime Ramos-Torres, 31, of Lawrence, in Salem, N.H. Tuesday night on federal charges for distributing fentanyl in connection with the trafficking scheme. Ramos-Torres and Lopez-Gomes have been charged by complaint in federal court in New Hampshire with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. They are both being detained pending further hearings.

 “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs such as fentanyl,” said Acting United States Attorney for New Hampshire John J. Farley. “I want to thank our partners for their cooperation in this case.”

“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels across New England and those suffering from the disease of fentanyl and heroin addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA. “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New Hampshire and Massachusetts need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA is committed to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations or individuals who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”

During the execution of three search warrants on Tuesday at a Methuen address and a Lawrence address, authorities seized approximately 750 grams of heroin, two hand guns, ammunition, one car, approximately 35 pounds of marijuana, prescription pills and approximately $1 million in cash.

AG Healey’s Office has been working closely with its federal, state and local partners to combat illegal drug trafficking. AG Healey formed an internal task force to more aggressively combat the heroin and prescription drug abuse crisis in Massachusetts. The AG’s Office is using a multi-faceted approach that includes education for prescribers, pursuing illegal drug traffickers and pill mills, and expanding access to recovery and treatment programs.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health estimates that 1,979 people – the highest number ever recorded in the state and a 13 percent increase year-over-year – died from opioid overdoses in 2016. Essex County is among the four counties in the state with the highest rate of overdoses.

This investigation is ongoing. These charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Gina Kwon, of AG Healey’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Shane Kelbley, of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. The case is being investigated by State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, the State Police Transportation Drug Unit, the New England Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lawrence Police Department and the Methuen Police Department.

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