News  Two Arrested in Joint Multistate Takedown of Heroin/Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Operation in Lynn, Lawrence

Boston — Two people were arrested and one was arraigned today in connection with a heroin/fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation in Lynn and Lawrence as part of a joint multistate takedown by federal and state law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. Authorities seized 750 grams of cocaine and 250 grams of heroin/fentanyl.  

Edwin Rivera, 51, of Lynn, was arrested in Manchester. He will be extradited to Massachusetts to face charges at a later date.

Jassiel Manuel Castillo, 45, of Lawrence, was arrested in Lawrence and was charged with Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws (one count) in Lynn District Court. Judge Michael Patten set bail at $75,000 and set a probable cause date for August 16.

These charges are the result of an investigation involving AG Healey’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crime Division, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) and the AG’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lynn Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the Manchester Police Department.

The investigation revealed that Rivera and Castillo were part of a heroin/fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation throughout Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire. Castillo is alleged to have delivered kilo-quantity levels of heroin/fentanyl and cocaine on behalf of Rivera. Rivera allegedly maintained a stash house in Lynn, where he stored narcotics and proceeds from drug distribution, and operated a commercial business in Manchester where he was arrested this morning.   

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

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.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief and Assistant Attorney General Gina Kwon and Assistant Attorney General Megan McLaughlin of the AG’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division. The case is being investigated by and was a collaborative effort between AG Healey’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crime Division, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) and the AG’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lynn Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the Manchester Police Department.