Shrewsbury man arrested on drug trafficking charges, cash seized

SHREWSBURY — A man was arrested for drug trafficking and distribution charges after police found a significant amount of drugs and cash in his vehicle on Saturday night.

According to the Shrewsbury Police Department, at approximately 8:23 p.m., Officer Ahmed Kafel was on routine patrol when he conducted a property check at 7 Boston Turnpike, the site of the former Buca di Beppo Restaurant.

Officer Kafel noticed a black 2017 Volkswagen GTI parked in the vacant lot, which is marked with No Trespassing signs.

Upon investigating the vehicle, Officer Kafel discovered one occupant, later identified as 38-year-old Angel Penaloza of Worcester.

A subsequent search revealed over 119 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, more than 14 grams of black tar heroin, 54 grams of marijuana, and over 6 grams of oxycodone pills.

A scale commonly used for drug distribution was also found in the vehicle.

Officers seized $6,010 in cash under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 94C Section 47, which allows for the forfeiture of money directly associated with drug distribution.

Penaloza faces multiple charges, including trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years in state prison and a fine of at least $10,000.

He is also charged with possession with intent to distribute Class A, Class B, and Class D substances.

Officers E. Sloan, Officer Juaire, Officer Belgou, and Sergeant Caviston assisted with the arrest.

The Shrewsbury Police Department continues to investigate the incident.