A major drug bust took place on Monday as authorities conducted a thorough investigation into narcotics distribution at 131 Clemente Street in Holyoke.
A joint effort between the Holyoke Police Department Narcotics Unit and several other law enforcement agencies led to the execution of three search warrants and the subsequent arrest of six individuals.
A group of individuals, whose ages range from 28 to 51, have been apprehended on multiple charges linked to the distribution of drugs and the unlawful possession of firearms. Authorities made arrests on the second and fourth floors of the Clemente Street building, where a significant quantity of illegal substances and weapons were discovered.
The details of the arrested persons are:
April Richard, 47:
- Possession of a Class A drug (heroin).
- Conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Shaylee Richard, 28:
- Possession of a firearm without a Firearm Identification Card (FID).
- Possession of ammunition without an FID.
- Receiving stolen property (firearm).
- Conspiracy to violate drug laws.
- Possession with intent to distribute Class A (heroin).
- Improper storage of a firearm.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Cesar Casiano, 51:
- Possession of Class A (heroin).
- Possession with intent to distribute Class A (heroin).
- Possession of Class B (cocaine).
- Possession with intent to distribute Class B (cocaine).
- Conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Gadiel Ramos-Cabrera, 28:
- Possession of a firearm without an FID.
- Possession of ammunition without an FID.
- Receiving stolen property (firearm).
- Conspiracy to violate drug laws.
- Possession with intent to distribute Class A (heroin).
- Improper storage of a firearm.
- Using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Brianna Ortiz, 28:
- Possession of a firearm without an FID.
- Possession of ammunition without an FID.
- Improper storage of a firearm.
- Possession of a large-capacity feeding device.
- Possession of Class B (cocaine).
Peter Benitez, 35:
- Conspiracy to violate drug laws.
As a result of the raid, authorities confiscated two 9mm handguns, one of which had been reported stolen, along with a significant quantity of heroin and cocaine. Authorities have also seized a significant amount of U.S. currency and a drone that the suspects allegedly utilized for counter-surveillance activities.
