Local News

Police arrest alleged drug and firearm trafficker in Worcester

Luis “Panda” Ortiz, 24, was charged with several gun and narcotics offenses, including the illegal sale of firearms, ammunition, and fentanyl, police said.

Authorities said they arranged to purchase an AR-15 rifle, two revolvers, and “more than 100 grams of fentanyl” from Luis “Panda” Ortiz, according to the statement. Courtesy/Massachusetts State Police

By Christopher Butler

February 19, 2022

1 minute to read

Local authorities took a suspected “high-impact” gun and narcotics trafficker into custody Thursday in Worcester following a month-long joint investigation, according to a statement from the Massachusetts State Police.

Luis “Panda” Ortiz, 24, was charged with several gun and narcotics offenses, including the illegal sale of firearms, ammunition, and fentanyl, police said.

Officials said the investigation into Ortiz began last month, involving the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit, Worcester police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

According to the statement, investigators allegedly arranged multiple undercover purchases from Ortiz, including an AR-15 rifle, two revolvers, a “more than 100 grams of fentanyl,” among other weapons.

The arrest comes at a time when Worcester, among other areas of Massachusetts, still struggles with its opioid epidemic.

“The investigation and arrest (are) expected to have (a) significant impact on public safety,” according to the statement.

Ortiz, who is from Worcester and Putnam, Conn., was arrested at a home in Worcester and was arraigned yesterday in Worcester District Court.