In a decisive crackdown on a drug trafficking operation, a joint force composed of local and federal law enforcement agencies made significant inroads into disrupting the distribution of narcotics in Massachusetts. The multi-agency task force included members from the Massachusetts State Police, Lawrence Police, and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Together, they conducted a raid on a residential unit in Lawrence where they uncovered a substantial amount of illegal drugs and firearms.
The joint operation was executed following an investigation that linked a male suspect to Fentanyl and Methamphetamine trafficking. Officials believe the suspect extensively used a false identity to remain undetected. The raid, executed on a third-story residence on Bailey Street, allowed police to quickly secure the location and discover not just narcotics but also hidden firearms and a large sum of money. Documents found on-site identified the suspect as Xavier Jose Perez-Tejeda, a 32-year-old native of the Dominican Republic.
According to the official report by the Massachusetts State Police, law enforcement officials seized approximately 12 kilograms of powdered Fentanyl, 1.6 pounds of Methamphetamine, 286 grams of pressed Fentanyl pills, 96 grams of pressed Methamphetamine pills, 83 grams of Cocaine, and approximately $15,000 in cash. Also found were three firearms: a Glock 22 pistol with 14 rounds, a Kel Tec 9mm pistol with 8 rounds, and a Charter Arms 38 Special revolver with 5 rounds.
The success of this operation can certainly be attributed to the cohesive effort of multiple law enforcement branches. The cooperative effort includes members from the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET) North, the Troop A Community Action Team, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Enterprise and Major Crimes Division, Lawrence Police Department, and the DEA’s Task Force 2. Officers transported Perez-Tejeda to the Andover Barracks for booking, and subsequently, he was arraigned in Lawrence District Court.
