UPDATE: Boston Police have just announced a major drug bust in the Southwest Corridor area, seizing over two kilograms of fentanyl and arresting five suspects. This operation was initiated following community complaints regarding escalating drug activity in the vicinity, particularly after the closure of the Mass and Cass tent-city, which has been a focal point for the ongoing opioid crisis.
Officers executed a series of search warrants on multiple locations, including 176 Stratton St. in Dorchester, 127 Hazelton St. in Mattapan, and 1059 Tremont St. in Roxbury. The raid, which took place earlier today, resulted in the confiscation of not only fentanyl but also 32 rounds of ammunition, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and over $3,000 in cash.
The coordinated effort involved various units from the Boston Police Department, including partnerships with the Youth Violence Strike Force, Massachusetts State Police, MBTA Police, and Boston Housing Authority Police. Authorities have confirmed that this operation is part of a larger initiative to combat the drug crisis that has plagued the region, particularly the impacts felt from the Mass and Cass area.
The arrested individuals include Ricky Wilson Soto-Arias, 36, and Doris Baez, 37, both of Dorchester and Mattapan, respectively. They have been charged with trafficking Class A drugs and unlawful possession of ammunition. Other suspects, Bryan Mejia, 31, Jeil Hernandez, 44, and Stephen Smith, 37, face similar charges, with Smith also wanted for breaking and entering.
This significant bust underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Boston, as community members continue to voice their concerns over safety and the prevalence of drug-related incidents following recent shifts in local drug activity.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. This operation marks a critical step in addressing the community’s safety concerns and combating the surge of fentanyl that has impacted lives across the city.
Stay tuned for more updates as Boston Police continue their efforts to tackle this pressing issue.
