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DA's office: More than $260k worth of heroin seized, 6 arrested

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Police seized about 30,000 bags and a half kilo of raw heroin in a trafficking investigation in Hampden County this week.

Along with the seizures, police arrested five people, four of whom are facing trafficking charges.

Massachusetts State Police learned that a large shipment of heroin was heading to Hampden County.

Detectives reported witnessing a drug transaction early Tuesday morning at a storage facility in Chicopee. Shortly after, State Police detectives stopped a suspect's vehicle on I-391.

A K9 unit reported to the scene and quickly alerted to the presence of drugs in the car, said Hampden County District Attorney's office. Detectives found 400 grams of raw uncut heroin, about 20,000 bags, totaling more than $100,000 if sold on the street, said the DA's office. Additionally, police said they found 600 "ready for sale" bags of heroin, approximately $12,174 worth, and items typically used with the processing and packaging of heroin.

Police arrested at the scene:

    • Trafficking in Heroin Over 200 Grams
    • Conspiracy to Violate Narcotic Laws
    • Trafficking in Heroin Over 200 Grams
    • Conspiracy to Violate Narcotic Laws

Following the arrests and seizure, a judge granted police six search warrants for two homes in Springfield, two cars, a West Springfield motel room and the storage unit in Chicopee.

Several agencies executed the search Tuesday morning, which led to more drug seizures and arrests, said the DA's office.

About 1,900 bags of heroin and $1,200 were allegedly seized from the EconoLodge Inn motel room and a vehicle. At the storage facility, the DA's office said agents seized about 30,000 bags of heroin, with an estimated street value of $150,000.

Three more people were also arrested:

    • Trafficking Heroin Over 200 Grams
    • Possession of Ammunition Without an FID
    • Possession of Class D, Marijuana: With Intent to Distribute
    • Possession of Class D, Marijuana: With Intent to Distribute
    • Trafficking 18-36 Grams of Heroin
    • Trafficking Over 200 Grams of Heroin

Suspects are expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court.

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