Over 25,000 bags of heroin seized in alleged trafficking bust in Chicopee and Springfield
Three men were arrested in connection with the bust.
Over 25,000 bags of heroin were seized by law enforcement and three men were arrested in the takedown of a drug-trafficking organization that spanned three states, according to the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.Jonathan Acevedo, 22, of Chicopee, was charged with trafficking heroin (36-100 grams) and possession with intent to distribute a class B drug — cocaine. Jonathan Rivera, 29, of Springfield, was charged with trafficking heroin over 200 grams, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without a license. Jean Carlos Rios-Rivera, 20, of Springfield, is being charged with trafficking heroin over 200 grams. Rios-Rivera was arrested in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and will be extradited back to Massachusetts, a news release from the district attorney’s office said.
The men were allegedly wrapped up in a “large-scale” trafficking organization that spanned Western Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut, according to authorities.
Acevedo reportedly created a heroin distribution organization out of a home in Chicopee while being out on bail and on house arrest via electronic monitoring, according to the release. He allegedly trafficked “large amounts” of heroin to dealers within Massachusetts and also into Vermont.
Two search warrants, one each for 141 Skeele St. and 28 Lucretia St., both in Chicopee, netted 2,800 bags of heroin, 56 grams of crack cocaine, and seven grams of cocaine on Aug. 31, the release said. Acevedo was arrested then; he’s since been arraigned in Chicopee District Court and is being held on $100,000 bail.
The investigation then led to Rios-Rivera when authorities discovered that Acevedo allegedly received shipments of heroin from him, according to the release. Rios-Rivera was also said to supply “several” dealers within Hampden County with the drug.
A search warrant was used for 12 Bayonne St., Springfield, on Sept. 19, the release said. There, authorities found 22,400 bags of heroin, plus a Glock 27 handgun and eight rounds of ammunition.
Rivera was arrested then, but Rios-Rivera allegedly fled when he heard about the warrant. He was later arrested on a warrant in Connecticut.
