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Flurry Of Arrests Made In Area Of Western Mass 'Deluged With Narcotic Sales,' Police Say

Police arrested five people after increasing intervention measures in an area of Western Massachusetts that authorities say "has been deluged with the sales of illegal narcotics."

Elm Street in Holyoke

Elm Street in Holyoke

Photo Credit: Google Maps street view

The five arrests were made in Hampden County in the area between 291 and 298 Elm Street in Holyoke, according to the Holyoke Police Department.

Police said that area has seen numerous illegal narcotics sales, assaults, and instances of gun violence. 

At about 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, authorities saw illegal narcotics sales taking place in the area of 291 Elm St., police said.

Officers responded and arrested 32-year-old Luis Medina and 42-year-old Israel Melendez, both of Holyoke, authorities said.

The two men were charged with a number of drug possession charges, authorities reported.

At about 10:50 a.m. on Friday, March 11, detectives saw suspicious activities at 294 Elm St. and conducted a property check, police reported.

Investigators saw three men in the hallway, and one of the men, later identified as 31-year-old Julio Aviles, of Holyoke, tried to run away while throwing bags into the air containing what authorities believed to be heroin, police said. 

Aviles and 36-year-old Mickie Barreto, also of Holyoke, were arrested and charged with drug possession and trespass charges, Holyoke police said.

Authorities said Israel Bonilla Jr., age 37, of Holyoke, was also arrested and charged with trespass.

Authorities asked anyone with information about the case to call police at 413-322-6900.

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