SPRINGFIELD — A joint operation between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local police resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of cocaine and heroin, as well as two illegal firearms, early Wednesday morning.
DEA agents, along with the Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit led by Sgt.
Jaime Bruno, executed a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Cloran Street around 6 a.m. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation targeting Julio Romero, who had an outstanding default warrant from Holyoke District Court.
As the search began, agents witnessed a firearm being discarded from a window of the home.
In total, nine individuals were detained, with four subsequently arrested, including the primary suspect, 38-year-old Julio Romero.
Investigators recovered approximately 147 grams of cocaine, over 100 grams of suspected heroin, two firearms, additional ammunition, a high-capacity magazine, and two other magazines from the property.
Nearly $2,200 in cash was also confiscated during the operation.
Romero faces multiple charges, including trafficking of Class A and B drugs, possession with intent to distribute, and several firearm-related violations.
Also charged were Jeremy Lebron, 30, Anthony Pizarro, 32, and Angel Cordero, 21, all of Springfield, with similar drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
The DEA New England Field Division continues to work closely with local agencies to combat drug trafficking and associated violent crimes in the region.
