- Office of Attorney General Maura Healey
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Emalie Gainey
Boston — Two Lawrence men have been arrested and arraigned for fentanyl trafficking after authorities seized 800 grams of fentanyl in a joint state, local and federal investigation, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.
Wendy Guzman, 39, and Orlando Veras-Ruiz, 36, were arrested June 14 as a result of a joint operation by Massachusetts State troopers assigned to the AG’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET), and the Worcester Police Department. Authorities arrested Guzman and Veras-Ruiz at a Worcester residence and seized 800 grams of fentanyl in connection with a drug enforcement operation.
“This investigation has taken nearly a kilo of fentanyl off our streets and is just one step in our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic,” said AG Healey. “We are committed to building strong partnerships with law enforcement at every level to work together to end this crisis once and for all.”
“DEA is committed to working with our tremendous state and local partners to investigate and dismantle Drug Trafficking Organizations and individuals who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl to the citizens of New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s announcement further confirms that when law enforcement works together, communities essentially become safer.”
“I commend all the Troopers, Officers, and Agents involved in this significant operation for their superb work,” said Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “I include in that recognition the members of our State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team, one of three regional drug task forces that the State Police operate within our new Division of Homeland Security and Preparedness. These three task forces have already made a significant contribution to the shared law enforcement mission to combat opioid trafficking in our state.”
“This is another example of the strides that we are making collectively to combat the opioid epidemic that is having a devastating effect on all of our communities,” said Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent. “We are grateful for our partnerships on the local, state and federal level as we work together to turn the tide of this epidemic.”
Guzman and Veras-Ruiz each pleaded not guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl over 10 grams (one count each) in Worcester District Court on June 15 and Judge David Locke set bail at $750,000 cash for each defendant. A probable cause hearing has been set for July 13.
These charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
These arraignments follow a string of recent investigations from AG Healey’s office, including the takedown of a major opioid trafficking network in Methuen and Lawrence, the prosecution of two Lawrence men charged with trafficking five kilograms of fentanyl, and a separate fentanyl trafficking investigation in Lawrence.
The AG’s Office is committed to tackling the opioid epidemic on all fronts and last week announced a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma Inc., its executives and board members for misleading prescribers and consumers about the addiction risks of their opioids. The complaint alleges that Purdue contributed to the opioid epidemic, including the opioid-related deaths of more than 670 Massachusetts residents prescribed Purdue opioids since 2009 and thousands more who struggled with cycles of overdose and addiction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Megan McLaughlin and Deputy Chief Gina Kwon, both of AG Healey’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division. The case was investigated by State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Worcester Police Department.
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