16,000 bags of heroin seized in Springfield drug bust

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Over 16,000 bags of heroin were seized in a huge drug bust, according to Springfield police.

Three dealers were arrested as Springfield police raided what they call a "large scale heroin distribution ring."

Officers also seized $11,212 and a loaded gun in the raid on Huntington Street around 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

According to Springfield police, the "lengthy" investigation involved surveillance detectives watching the suspects make drops in Holyoke, West Springfield and Chicopee to local dealers and customers. The detectives then followed two suspects into a gas station and arrested them. Police say they found "a large quantity of heroin bags hidden in the console" of the suspects' car.

Shortly afterward, police raided the third floor of 10 Huntington Street and found "a huge cache of heroin bags, cocaine and marijuana."

Police say Jeremy Crespo, 21, Moises Silva, 35, and Jereiska Fontanez, 24, were all arrested after the search.

The three have been charged with trafficking in heroin, possession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of ammo, carrying a firearm and conspiracy to violate narcotics drug laws.

In total, detectives say they seized 16,776 bags of heroin, 7.5 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of marijuana, $11,212 in cash, a .9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with 15 rounds, packaging material, scales and drug paraphernalia.

Cox Media Group