BEVERLY — A Beverly Police Department operation led to the arrest of a local man on charges of trafficking and possession with intent to distribute cocaine on Sept. 4.
Jason Fullerton, 36, was taken into custody after detectives from the Beverly Police Drug Control Unit observed him engaging in what appeared to be a drug transaction in the parking lot of the Union Club at 141 Cabot Street.
The investigation, spurred by citizen complaints of drug activity in the area, identified Fullerton as a participant in the illicit sales.
During surveillance on Wednesday evening, Fullerton was seen driving a grey pickup truck into the parking lot and backing into a space.
Shortly after, Ludger Gauthier, 70, of Peabody, exited the Union Club and got into the passenger seat of Fullerton’s truck.
Detectives approached the vehicle and reportedly found both men using narcotics.
Upon being confronted, Gauthier attempted to dispose of a rolled $20 bill and a bag containing cocaine, while Fullerton tried to drive away but was promptly stopped and ordered out of his vehicle.
A search yielded about 80 grams of cocaine and $867 in cash from Fullerton’s possession.
Fullerton was arrested and taken to the station without further incident.
He was expected to appear for arraignment this morning at Salem District Court.
Gauthier faces charges for possession of Class B Cocaine.
