Two men are facing drug charges after Chelsea police say a two-month investigation led to a vehicle stop, a search warrant and the seizure of suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl.
According to a Chelsea Police Department release, detectives executed the warrant Wednesday at a Cottage Street residence and arrested Johel Mims, 26, of Chelsea, and Jamel Antonio Maurais, 19, of Roxbury. Police said Maurais was stopped while driving with Mims as a passenger, and officers recovered several baggies believed to contain fentanyl before arresting him.
Police Report Crack, Cash And Distribution Paraphernalia
Investigators said the search of the residence turned up 60 grams of suspected crack cocaine, U.S. currency in various denominations and paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution. Police also reported finding another 15 grams of suspected crack cocaine on Mims during the booking process, with photos released by the department showing some of the seized evidence.
Charges And Next Steps
Mims was charged with trafficking cocaine, 36 grams or more but less than 100 grams. Maurais was charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance, the category that includes fentanyl under Massachusetts law.
Chief Keith E. Houghton praised the department's drug detectives, calling the investigation another example of the persistence required to close these cases. Police said both men are expected to be arraigned in Chelsea District Court; the allegations have not been tested at trial, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Another Chelsea Drug Case This Year
The arrests come several months after an earlier Chelsea search-warrant case in which police reported finding 173 grams of suspected crack cocaine and more than $2,000 in cash. That earlier Chelsea bust also resulted in a cocaine-trafficking charge, making Wednesday's operation at least the second publicly announced Chelsea drug case this year involving a sizable suspected cocaine seizure.
Anyone with information about suspected drug activity can contact Chelsea police at 617-466-4800, call the department's anonymous tip line at 617-466-4880 or submit a tip through the department's social media accounts.
