_edited.png)
Today, the Massachusetts State Police announced a successful joint operation that resulted in the arrest of two Hampden County residents and the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl and four firearms. Several agencies contributed to the mission’s success including, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Agency Springfield Resident Office (DEA SRO), and the Springfield Police Department Firearms Investigations Unit (FIU).
Over the past several months, the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET West) investigated 31-year-old Anthony Perez for the distribution of heroin/fentanyl from his residence on Union Street in Springfield. Perez became known to law enforcement from previous investigations and was out on bail for other narcotic related offenses.
On Wednesday evening, August 7, 2024, narcotic investigators observed Perez conducting a sale of suspected fentanyl. After the exchange, officers initiated a traffic stop to arrest Perez. After he resisted the arrest, officers found Perez in possession of 25 “packs” of heroin/fentanyl, or 2,500 bags of fentanyl, a loaded Glock 43 firearm, and an extended magazine with several rounds.
Officers placed Perez under arrest for trafficking and weapon offenses. They also arrested Joel Rodriguez, 31, of Holyoke for trafficking heroin/fentanyl.
Investigators then executed a Hampden Superior Court “knock and announce” search warrant at Perez’ residence. That search resulted in the seizure of:
More than 200 “packs” of suspected heroin/fentanyl or 21,200 bags of heroin/fentanyl
1 Beretta Px4 Storm firearm loaded with a round in the chamber and a 14 round magazine inserted
1 tactical Garaysar Fear-105 semiautomatic shotgun with two large capacity magazines (unloaded)
Century Arms AK47 rifle with a filed off serial number loaded with a round in the chamber and a large capacity magazine inserted
A large amount of US currency
Both subjects were transported to State Police Barracks in Springfield and booked.