News Brief: Drug raids net seven arrests in Pittsfield
More InfoPittsfield — Berkshire County Drug Task Force officers assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and police from several other law enforcement agencies executed a series of raids that resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of thousands of bags of heroin and cocaine and two firearms.
During coordinated search operations conducted Friday on vehicles and homes in Pittsfield and Springfield, officers from the Berkshire and Hampden State Police Detective Units, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsfield Police Department, Dalton Police Department, North Adams Police Department and the MSP CINRET unit arrested five persons from Pittsfield and two from Springfield. Police also confiscated 4,400 bags of heroin, 82 grams of cocaine, a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a 9 mm Glock, a ballistic vest, ammunition, and about $40,000 in cash.
Charged with trafficking in heroin between 100 and 200 grams and conspiracy to violate drug laws Monday in Central Berkshire District Court were: Shameen M. Howard, 27, and Aquireya Howe, 22, both of Springfield; and Dylan M. Ducharme, 23, Ryan N. Henault, 21, Paul R. Lewis, 23, Zackary Kirkland, 20, and James M. Daley, 26, all of Pittsfield.
“I am grateful for our law enforcement partners for interrupting a major drug-trafficking operation between Springfield and Pittsfield, and getting a large amount of dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets of Berkshire County,” Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington said. “Our community is safer this week than it was last week thanks to their diligence and bravery. This operation is an example of how the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office works hand-in-hand with law enforcement to enhance public safety in Berkshire County.”
Police made the seven arrests during three vehicle stops on Brown, West and West Housatonic streets in Pittsfield; and searched a Springfield home and two apartments in Pittsfield. Lewis, Kirkland and Daley were also charged with trafficking in cocaine between 18 and 36 grams, while Henault also faces a charge of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. Five of the defendants were held without the right to bail, pending dangerousness hearings. Pre-trial hearings for Howe and Daley are scheduled for Thursday, May 2.
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The plague of illicit drug addiction is a horrible situation. In the past few weeks alone we have had several tragic OD deaths, sadly, of people who had such wonderful potential ruined by the sickness of drug addiction.
While the community is making progress via awareness, 1st responders carrying narcan, and other efforts, the one reported here is no small feat.
A huge “Thank You” to the DA’s office and the participating police forces for getting these drugs off the streets.