Tag:

Fentanyl

Sen. Booker Spars With FBI Director Patel: 'You're Not Going To Be Around Long' Sen. Booker Spars With FBI Director Patel: 'You're Not Going To Be Around Long'
Sen. Booker Spars With FBI Director Patel: 'You're Not Going To Be Around Long' Things got heated between Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ and FBI Director Kash Patel at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, Sept. 16. Patel was appearing following questions about his handling of the investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the bureau's investigation into New York financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "This is a mockery you're making of this hearing," Booker said, growing frustrated at Patel as he grilled him over the firing of several FBI agents. Booker then went for the jugular. "I believe you have made our country…
CT Woman Claimed To Be Devil Before Setting House On Fire, Shooting At Boyfriend: Cops CT Woman Claimed To Be Devil Before Setting House On Fire, Shooting At Boyfriend: Cops
CT Woman Claimed To Be Devil Before Setting House On Fire, Shooting At Boyfriend: Cops A 42-year-old man told police he awoke to his girlfriend pointing a gun at his head and claiming she was Lucifer. She told him that they needed to kill the neighbors before she allegedly set their home on fire, authorities said. Megan Dunkin, 31, of Harwinton, turned herself in to police on Tuesday, June 24. She faces multiple charges in connection with the incident, according to the Connecticut State Police. The ordeal began on June 12, when Dunkin’s partner said she started rambling and running around their home, an arrest warrant stated. He later found her burning a hole in a shower curt…
Braintree Man Who Led Drug Ring Gets 10 Years For Fentanyl Trafficking After ICE Probe Braintree Man Who Led Drug Ring Gets 10 Years For Fentanyl Trafficking After ICE Probe
Braintree Man Who Led Drug Ring Gets 10 Years For Fentanyl Trafficking After ICE Probe A Braintree man is heading to prison after federal investigators uncovered his role as the leader of a major drug trafficking ring that brought opioids into Massachusetts from Latin America. Jonathan Melendez Decatro, also known as “Jacha,” was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigation. Officials say he was the head of a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Brockton area. Authorities said Melendez Decatro was getting his drugs from Colombia, Mexico, and the…
US, China Cut Tariffs In 'Substantial De-Escalation' Of Trump's Trade War US, China Cut Tariffs In 'Substantial De-Escalation' Of Trump's Trade War
US, China Cut Tariffs In 'Substantial De-Escalation' Of Trump's Trade War The US and China are stepping back from extremely high retaliatory tariffs placed on each other, lowering the duty rates to ease tensions and negotiate a potential trade deal. The White House announced the tariff-lowering agreement on Monday, May 12. Both countries will reduce their tariffs to a baseline 10% rate, with the US continuing to impose its 20% tariff on China related to fentanyl. The drastic reduction comes after President Donald Trump dramatically raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a combined 145%, causing Beijing to retaliate with a 125% tariff on US goods. The agreement also…
Prostitute, DUI Porsche Driver Were Having Sex In SUV Blocking State Police Barracks: Cops Prostitute, DUI Porsche Driver Were Having Sex In SUV Blocking State Police Barracks: Cops
Prostitute, DUI Porsche Driver Were Having Sex In SUV Blocking State Police Barracks: Cops There are bad places to get frisky — and then there’s right outside a state police barracks. A man and woman were arrested after Connecticut State Police said they found the pair engaged in "lewd behavior" and in possession of drugs in a car that was blocking their barracks in Hartford.  Willie Ferrell, 34, of Bloomfield, and 48-year-old Diandra Lysik of Hartford, a known prostitute, were arrested just after midnight on Tuesday, May 6, authorities said. A state trooper in Hartford spotted the duo in a Porsche SUV blocking the gate to a restricted area at the Hartford barracks and…
Egg Smuggling Soars As US Prices Spike, Fentanyl Seizures Drop: CBP Egg Smuggling Soars As US Prices Spike, Fentanyl Seizures Drop: CBP
Egg Smuggling Soars As US Prices Spike, Fentanyl Seizures Drop: CBP U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cracking down on a surprising contraband at the border—eggs. Egg-related seizures have surged 116% in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with officials reporting 3,254 interceptions, according to CBP data. The spike comes as U.S. egg prices continue to soar, driven by a historic avian flu outbreak decimating poultry farms nationwide. Meanwhile, fentanyl seizures have fallen 32% year-over-year. While President Donald Trump has vowed to curb fentanyl trafficking, the more immediate smuggling crisis appears to be brea…
Trump Pauses Auto Tariffs Amid Trade War Fallout With Canada, Mexico Trump Pauses Auto Tariffs Amid Trade War Fallout With Canada, Mexico
Trump Pauses Auto Tariffs Amid Trade War Fallout With Canada, Mexico President Donald Trump is giving US automakers a brief delay on tariffs imposed against Canada and Mexico as trade war tensions escalate and concerns rise domestically about the economy. The pause was confirmed at a news briefing by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday, Mar. 5. The move came one day after Trump officially placed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods while raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 percent. The country's "Big Three" automakers — Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), Ford, and General Motors — talked with Trump abou…
Canada, Mexico, China Retaliate As Trump's Tariffs Spark Trade Wars: 'We're Ready To Fight' Canada, Mexico, China Retaliate As Trump's Tariffs Spark Trade Wars: 'We're Ready To Fight'
Canada, Mexico, China Retaliate As Trump's Tariffs Spark Trade Wars: 'We're Ready To Fight' Canada, Mexico, and China are responding to President Donald Trump officially placing tariffs on the three nations, escalating tensions with the US's key trading partners and increasing concerns about rising costs for American consumers. The US officially imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods on Tuesday, Mar. 4. On the same day, the US also raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 percent. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed the solution to the trade wars is bringing more businesses into the country. "IF COMPANIES MOVE TO THE UNITED STATES, THERE ARE …
Stocks Plummet After Trump Says Tariffs On Canada, Mexico Will Start, Igniting Trade War Fears Stocks Plummet After Trump Says Tariffs On Canada, Mexico Will Start, Igniting Trade War Fears
Stocks Plummet After Trump Says Tariffs On Canada, Mexico Will Start, Igniting Trade War Fears President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will take effect in less than a day, sending the stock market tumbling amid fears of a trade war. Trump said on Monday afternoon, March 3, that the US will impose 25 percent rates on imports from the two neighboring nations and the United States’ primary trading partners, effectively quashing any last-minute hopes for a negotiated agreement. “There’s no room left for Mexico or for Canada” to negotiate to prevent the tariffs from taking effect on Tuesday, March 4, Trump said at the White House, adding, “They’re all set.” The…
Proposed 25% US Tariff On Canadian Goods Will Be Paused After Earlier Deal With Mexico Proposed 25% US Tariff On Canadian Goods Will Be Paused After Earlier Deal With Mexico
Proposed 25% US Tariff On Canadian Goods Will Be Paused After Earlier Deal With Mexico Just hours after a similar agreement was reached with Mexico, the United States has agreed to paused planned tariffs on Canadian goods for 30 days. The deal was reached late Monday afternoon, Feb. 3 after President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau concluded their second conversation of the day. "I just had a good call with President Trump," Trudeau said in a statement announcing that Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion border plan  "reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increase…
Trump Vows To Hit Canada, Mexico, China With Tariffs: Here's When, How Much Trump Vows To Hit Canada, Mexico, China With Tariffs: Here's When, How Much
Trump Vows To Hit Canada, Mexico, China With Tariffs: Here's When, How Much Donald Trump's months-long threats of implementing tariffs on other countries are apparently hours away from becoming a reality. Click here for a new, updated story - Trump Tariffs Take Effect: Expect To Pay More For These Items, Experts Say White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced at a news conference Friday afternoon, Jan. 31 that both of America's neighbors, Canada and Mexico, will be slapped with 25 percent tariffs on goods. A third nation, China, America's main economic rival, will be hit with 10 percent tariffs. They take effect on Saturday, Feb. 1, and are "for …
Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds
Wanted Gang Leader Busted in Lowell After 3 Years On Run: Feds A Massachusetts man accused of playing a leading role in a dangerous drug trafficking conspiracy was arrested inside a local residence after evading authorities for nearly four years, federal authorities said.  Darasy Chhim, 39, also known by the aliases "Mystickal" and "Rizzus," was taken into custody on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, fentanyl, MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to federal prosecutors, Chhim has been wanted since June 2021, when he was indicted alongside 14 co-conspirators. Authorities allege …
Woman Busted Bringing 4 Pounds Of Heroin To Methuen Gets 8 Days In Prison: Feds Woman Busted Bringing 4 Pounds Of Heroin To Methuen Gets 8 Days In Prison: Feds
Woman Busted Bringing 4 Pounds Of Heroin To Methuen Gets 8 Days In Prison: Feds A Philadelphia woman who admitted to driving to Methuen, Massachusetts, to deliver four pounds of heroin to an undercover agent will not return to prison, federal authorities said.  Elba Pena, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to time served and a year of home confinement, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. She will serve three years of probation. Federal prosecutors asked the judge to sentence her to three years in prison.  Pena was arrested in November 2021 after she drove mor…
Mass Man Stabbed Dog To Death With Grill Fork In 'Hideous' Killing: Police Mass Man Stabbed Dog To Death With Grill Fork In 'Hideous' Killing: Police
Mass Man Stabbed Dog To Death With Grill Fork In 'Hideous' Killing: Police A Plymouth County man stabbed his 60-pound Bull-Terrior named Brutus to death with a grill prong after his attempt to poison the animal with fentanyl failed, authorities said.  Jonathan Paluzzi, 44, of Kingston, is charged with multiple counts of felony animal cruelty and possession of a Class A drug (fentanyl), Kingston police said in a Facebook post. He is being held on a "significant bail," the post said.  Officers were called to an apartment complex on Kingston Collection Way around 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, after his neighbor heard screaming, crying, a dog whining,…
Stoughton Sex Offender Busted AGAIN Forcing Vulnerable Women Into Sex Trade: Feds Stoughton Sex Offender Busted AGAIN Forcing Vulnerable Women Into Sex Trade: Feds
Stoughton Sex Offender Busted Again Forcing Vulnerable Women Into Sex Trade: Feds A convicted Stoughton sex offender is again accused of preying on women, exploiting their drug addictions, and using violence to force them into sex work for his benefit, federal authorities said.  Marvin Pompilus, 39, is charged with three counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, one count of attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Investigators said Pompilus sought out women who had a history of substance abuse issues and plied …
Mass Pill Mill Raid: 35 Pounds Of Fentanyl-Laced Fake Tablets Seized Mass Pill Mill Raid: 35 Pounds Of Fentanyl-Laced Fake Tablets Seized
Mass Pill Mill Raid: 35 Pounds Of Fentanyl-Laced Fake Tablets Seized Nearly 35 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine-laced fake Adderall and Xanax pills were found during a state police bust of a drug lab in Whitman. Andrew Billings, 39, of Plymouth, was arrested on Dec. 21, 2023, at his workplace, while the makeshift lab and his SUV on Essex Street in Whitman were searched by state police. Troopers found large amounts of white powder, thousands of counterfeit prescription pills, a pharmaceutical-grade pill press, and related drug paraphernalia, police said. “The property was so badly contaminated with strewn drug material, that Troopers evacuated the addr…
220 Pounds Of Drugs, Worth $8M, Seized In Mass; 'Largest Seizure' In State History: Feds 220 Pounds Of Drugs, Worth $8M, Seized In Mass; 'Largest Seizure' In State History: Feds
220 Pounds Of Drugs, Worth $8M, Seized In Mass; 'Largest Seizure' In State History: Feds Thousands of fentanyl pills made to look like candy, 20 pounds of cocaine, and more drugs than there are people in Massachusetts. That's what federal investigators laid out on a table Monday, Nov. 6, when they announced what is likely the biggest drug bust in history.  Emilio Garcia, 25, Sebastien Bejin, 33, and Deiby Felix, 40, all of Lynn, were charged with a litany of felonies following their arrests, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  US Attorney's Office Police began investigating the crew following an overdose death in Salem over the summer, investigators said. Officers surve…
Man Used Kids Toys, Disney Items, Halloween Decorations To Smuggle Drugs Into Mass: Feds Man Used Kids Toys, Disney Items, Halloween Decorations To Smuggle Drugs Into Mass: Feds
Man Used Kids Toys, Disney Items, Halloween Decorations To Smuggle Drugs Into Mass: Feds A Rhode Island man who pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to move methamphetamines throughout the United States using children's toys and other seemingly mundane items was sentenced to seven years in prison on Tuesday, Sept. 19, authorities said.  Nathan Boddie, 38, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, admitted that he and two others began smuggling methamphetamines, fentanyl, and cocaine from Arizona into Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and elsewhere in April 2022, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  They accomplished this by hiding the drugs inside children's toys, Halloween de…
Andover Dealer Who Caused OD Death, Bragged About Drugs' Strength Gets 5 Years: DA Andover Dealer Who Caused OD Death, Bragged About Drugs' Strength Gets 5 Years: DA
Andover Dealer Who Caused OD Death, Bragged About Drugs' Strength Gets 5 Years: DA A 28-year-old man who sold drugs to an Andover 20-year-old who died after taking them will spend the next five years in prison, authorities announced on Wednesday, Sept. 20.  Joseph Comeau, 28, pleaded guilty to intimidation of a witness and manslaughter in the death of Max Durham in 2019, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. The prosecutor's office asked for a sentence of eight to 10 years in jail.  Police said Durham purchased drugs from Comeau on Dec. 6, 2019, in Manchester, New Hampshire. During the deal, Comeau bragged about how powerful the drugs were. Though he…
Mass Man Took An Uber To Deliver 20 Pounds Of Drugs To New Hampshire: Feds Mass Man Took An Uber To Deliver 20 Pounds Of Drugs To New Hampshire: Feds
Mass Man Took An Uber To Deliver 20 Pounds Of Drugs To New Hampshire: Feds A Massachusetts man decided to make an Uber driver an unwitting accomplice in delivering 20 pounds of fentanyl to New Hampshire last year.  Johan M. Rodriguez, age 37, of Lawrence, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in March, was sentenced to five years in federal prison Tuesday, Aug. 8, the US Attorney for New Hampshire said.  Rodriguez requested an Uber on Sep. 26 to catch a ride from Massachusetts to Dover, New Hampshire. He carried with him a toolbox filled with 20 pounds of fentanyl, the synthetic and sometimes fatal opioid, investigators said.  Pol…
Overdose Death Charge: Salem Man Busted After Allegedly Selling Drugs That Killed Overdose Death Charge: Salem Man Busted After Allegedly Selling Drugs That Killed
Overdose Death Charge: Salem Man Busted After Allegedly Selling Drugs That Killed A 30-year-old Salem man has been charged with selling the drugs that lead to a fatal overdose, officials announced on Friday, June 30.  Ericson Almonte-Rojas was charged with trafficking fentanyl more than 10 grams, unlicensed possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a felony, receiving stolen property, and possessing illegal ammunition, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said. He was being held on $15,000 bail.  Almonte-Rojas was arrested Thursday after police spoke with witnesses and pulled phone records of the person who overdosed, the prosecutor said. O…
Fentanyl Bust: Deported Man Busted Selling 5 Kilos Of Drug To Cops, Feds Say Fentanyl Bust: Deported Man Busted Selling 5 Kilos Of Drug To Cops, Feds Say
Fentanyl Bust: Deported Man Busted Selling 5 Kilos Of Drug To Cops, Feds Say A Chelsea man who'd previously been deported after being convicted of a drug charge in 2020 was arrested and charged with selling more than 11 pounds of fentanyl to an undercover officer, federal officials said.  Luis Alberto German-Peguero, aka “Alberto Chirry,” 32, was indicted this week on charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, illegal reentry of a deported alien, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He has been held in federa…
Ex-Nurse Avoids Jailtime For Stealing Boston Patients' Opioids: Feds Ex-Nurse Avoids Jailtime For Stealing Boston Patients' Opioids: Feds
Ex-Nurse Avoids Jailtime For Stealing Boston Patients' Opioids: Feds A former nurse who admitted to stealing opioids from her patients and a locked medicine cabinet at two Boston-area hospitals will not serve any jail time, federal authorities announced.  Lisa Tarr, 33, of St. Petersburg, Fla., was sentenced to five years of probation, with the first year being spent in home detention, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. Tarr pleaded guilty last year to four counts of unlawfully obtaining controlled substances by fraud, deception, and subterfuge. Tarr was a student nurse at a Boston-area hospital in August 2018, where she told investigators she…
Billerica Police Officer Hospitalized When Bag Of Fentanyl Explodes In Their Face Billerica Police Officer Hospitalized When Bag Of Fentanyl Explodes In Their Face
Billerica Police Officer Hospitalized When Bag Of Fentanyl Explodes In Their Face A Billerica Police Officer was hospitalized after they were exposed to fentanyl while trying to arrest a Lowell man on drug possession charges, authorities said.  The officer noticed a vehicle with a canceled registration was stopped on Webb Brook Road around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost reports. The officer also learned that the driver, identified as 65-year-old Charles Lang, had a suspended license. As the officer approached Lang's car, they saw him trying to destroy a small bag containing a powdery substance, which was later determined to be fen…
Father-Son Duo Traffic Drugs, Firearms, Get Busted In Brockton: Police Father-Son Duo Traffic Drugs, Firearms, Get Busted In Brockton: Police
Father-Son Duo Traffic Drugs, Firearms, Get Busted In Brockton: Police A Brockton family operation was broken up when police seized more than 800 grams of fentanyl, seven "ghost guns," and tools used to manufacture and package drugs.  A three-month police investigation led to the arrests of 38-year-old Shem Khattiya and his 20-year-old son Nathen Khattiya on the morning of Friday, March 31 for trafficking and manufacturing firearms and narcotics, according to the Massachusetts State Police.  Police executed search warrants at a home on Moraine Street in Brockton and a 2016 Audi A7 sedan and recovered 834 grams of Fentanyl, cutting agents used by traffickers t…
Fentanyl Found On U-Haul Driver Who Crashed Into Tree In Cambridge: Police Fentanyl Found On U-Haul Driver Who Crashed Into Tree In Cambridge: Police
Fentanyl Found On U-Haul Driver Who Crashed Into Tree In Cambridge: Police A 27-year-old Brookline man appeared to be moving more than just his personal belongings when police arrested him for crashing his U-Haul in Cambridge this week, according to authorities. Alejandro Trigo is facing several charges after officers found him in possession of fentanyl and a ghost gun after he crashed his van into a light pole and tree on Rindge Avenue, Cambridge Police report. This happened around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22.  Trigo was found inside the van, which sustained significant front-end damage, in the 2100 block of Massachusetts Avenue. Officers noticed a maga…
Passed-Out North Andover Man Found At Methuen Walmart Had Drugs, 2 Arrest Warrants: Police Passed-Out North Andover Man Found At Methuen Walmart Had Drugs, 2 Arrest Warrants: Police
Passed-Out North Andover Man Found At Methuen Walmart Had Drugs, 2 Arrest Warrants: Police A person who was reported as being passed out in their car in a Walmart parking lot had over a hundred grams of drugs and thousands in cash, officials say.  Andrew Brace, of North Andover, was found to have 108 grams of cocaine, 3.6 grams of fentanyl, and $2,515 in cash when police responded the report on the evening of Thursday, March 16, according to the Methuen Police Department. We like to take the opportunity from time to time to highlight some of the great work our officers are doing daily to... Posted by Methuen Police Department on Sunday, March 19, 2023 In addition to the illi…
Hull Quartet Busted For Trafficking Coke, Meth, Fentanyl: Police Hull Quartet Busted For Trafficking Coke, Meth, Fentanyl: Police
Hull Quartet Busted For Trafficking Coke, Meth, Fentanyl: Police A search warrant led to the arrests of four individuals, hundreds of grams of drugs, and thousands in cash, officials say.  Maureen Meade, Andrew Moscaritolo, Robyn Streiferd, and Leah Butt were all arrested from an apartment near the water on Bay Street in Hull for drug trafficking and related charges, according to the Hull Police Department.  Police executed a search warrant obtained through an ongoing investigation on Friday, March 17 around 5:30 p.m. with help from a Plymouth County Sheriff K-9 unit.  Inside the home was a stash of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine,…
Maine Man Stashes Slew Of Drugs At Tewksbury Hotel: Police Maine Man Stashes Slew Of Drugs At Tewksbury Hotel: Police
Maine Man Stashes Slew Of Drugs At Tewksbury Hotel: Police A man from Maine checked himself in to a Tewksbury hotel but police checked him out after learning that he had an active arrest warrant and hundreds of grams of drugs, officials say. A well-being check requested for 34-year-old Danny Taylor at the Residences at Tewksbury, an extended stay hotel located at 20 International Place, found the man safely in his room but with a stash of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and brass knuckles, according to the Tewksbury police.  Police found Taylor, of Sanford, Maine, and his stash at around 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7. In addition…
Lowell Shoplifter Breaks Cop's Ribs Before Arrest In Tewksbury: Police Lowell Shoplifter Breaks Cop's Ribs Before Arrest In Tewksbury: Police
Lowell Shoplifter Breaks Cop's Ribs Before Arrest In Tewksbury: Police A brazen shoplifter was found to have pockets full of fentanyl and Xanax, as well as an active arrest warrant when police arrested him after a violent scuffle, officials say.  Perez Rosario, of Lowell, attempted to walk out of a Marshalls store on Main Street in Tewksbury wearing layers of unpaid-for clothes and a shopping cart loaded with unpurchased merchandise on Thursday, March 2 when police intervened, according to the Tewksbury Police Department.  Police attempted to talk with 35-year-old Rosario but he ran away, leading them in a chase before allegedly h…
Salem Social Media Star Ernest Johnson Gets 3 Years Prison Time: Feds Salem Social Media Star Ernest Johnson Gets 3 Years Prison Time: Feds
Salem Social Media Star Ernest Johnson Gets 3 Years Prison Time: Feds A viral social media icon who promoted violence and "flaunted" his arsenal of drugs and guns was sentenced to over three years of prison time, officials say.  Ernest Johnson, who often went by "Yo Pesci" or "Mr. Live Mr. Drive," was involved in a "prolific and violent" North Shore drug trafficking ring that distributed over 500,000 deadly fentanyl pills designed to look like Percocet tablets, according to the District of Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's Office. Johnson, 34, received a sentence of 90 months in prison and three years of supervised release on Monday, Feb. 27, after pleading guilt…