In efforts to help keep their communities safe and free from crime, law enforcement officials in Massachusetts regularly conduct undercover investigations and sting operations to identify alleged illegal activity in their areas. One of the areas authorities focus on is illegal drug trafficking, and authorities in Massachusetts have conducted an extensive multi-jurisdictional investigation into suspected illegal drug activity in the state. The initiative has resulted in several arrests and the seizure of considerable amounts of drugs and more.
Drug investigation and arrests
Dubbed “Operation Shore Thing,” the extensive drug investigation happened for more than a year and focused primarily on the areas surrounding Fall River and Taunton. The investigation was a joint effort involving several different law enforcement agencies in the state, including the state police and its Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team, as well as local police and sheriff’s departments.
Initially, officials made six arrests during the course of their investigation, and after identifying the apparent source for the illegal drugs, they served warrants at a residence in Lawrence. There, they found more drugs and arrested an individual at the residence who was the alleged supplier of drugs to the other accused individuals. In total, police say they seized over 4,000 oxycodone pills and nearly 2,000 grams of fentanyl; they also apparently seized two guns, 51 grams of crack cocaine and at least $75,000 in cash.
Right to defense
The accused range in age from 28 to 48, and each faces a number of charges that include conspiracy to violate drug law and trafficking in fentanyl, oxycodone and cocaine, among others. As these charges are very serious with considerable consequences upon conviction, those accused of these crimes should work closely with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts. A lawyer will analyze all aspects of the investigation and arrest and challenge evidence prosecutors intend to use in order to help a client achieve the best possible outcome.
