Police: 11-year-old finds heroin, fentanyl in dad's belongings

LAWRENCE, Mass. — An 11-year-old boy from Lawrence called 911 Thursday and told the dispatcher something they never expected: "I think my dad sells drugs."

The boy explained that he had seen his dad doing a drug deal, and even found drugs in his father's belongings.

“A large amount of narcotics. We believe it to be a heroin, fentanyl mix. About 200 grams,” Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick told Boston 25 News.

The father, 40-year-old Yamil Mercado, has been charged with child endangerment and drug trafficking.

Neighbors said they have been living in fear.

"The buyer sits on our street and the seller comes flying off the streets, they do their exchange and they take off," Robert O'Koniewski said.

The drugs that were seized by police have an estimated street value of about $8,500.

"I commend this young man for being brave enough to come forward and report that these dangerous substances were in his home," Fitzpatrick said.

Neighbors are hoping their children follow the 11-year-old's lead.

“I can say what I say to my kids, if they touch the stuff they will be looking for their teeth somewhere on the streets. It's not something that I tolerate,” O’Koniewski said.

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