UPDATE: Boston Police have seized over two kilograms of fentanyl in a major drug bust that has led to the arrest of five suspects. This operation comes after community complaints about escalating drug activity in the Southwest Corridor, an area heavily impacted by the opioid crisis.
Just announced, police executed multiple search warrants Saturday, targeting locations including 176 Stratton St. in Dorchester, 127 Hazelton St. in Mattapan, and 1059 Tremont St. in Roxbury. The coordinated effort involved units from the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, MBTA Police, and the Boston Housing Authority Police, highlighting a unified response to combat drug trafficking.
As part of the operation, authorities seized not just fentanyl, but also 32 rounds of ammunition, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and more than $3,000 in cash. Police stated that the investigation was initiated due to local concerns over the spike in drug-related activities following the closure of the notorious Mass and Cass tent-city.
The suspects arrested include Ricky Wilson Soto-Arias, 36, of Dorchester; Doris Baez, 37, of Mattapan; Bryan Mejia, 31, of Mattapan; Jeil Hernandez, 44, of Boston; and Stephen Smith, 37, of Boston. All but Smith face charges of trafficking Class A drugs, with Soto-Arias and Baez also charged with unlawful possession of ammunition. Smith, meanwhile, has outstanding warrants for breaking and entering at night and larceny over $250.
This urgent operation aims to mitigate the fallout from ongoing drug and human trafficking that has plagued Boston, particularly in high-traffic areas like Mass and Cass. Community members have expressed relief at the police’s actions, hoping this will mark a turning point in their battle against the opioid crisis.
With fentanyl posing a significant threat to public safety, this development underscores the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Boston and the importance of community involvement in reporting suspicious activities.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, and community members are urged to report any suspicious activities as police remain committed to ensuring public safety. This story is developing, and more updates will follow as additional information becomes available.
