East Boston man arrested for firearm, drug possession after break-in report

BOSTON — Officers from the Boston Police Department arrested 55-year-old Carlos Cortez of East Boston on multiple charges, including firearm and drug offenses, following a breaking and entering call on Thursday.

At approximately 10:37 a.m. on Jan. 2, officers assigned to District A-7 responded to a reported break-in on Meridian Street.

Upon arrival, they were informed that a suspect might be inside the specified apartment.

The officers instructed the apartment owner to stay in the hallway while they entered the residence.

During their protective sweep, no suspects were found inside.

However, the officers did observe a loaded firearm magazine and a holster in plain view.

The apartment owner was then handcuffed and searched, leading to the discovery of a Taurus PT ACP firearm with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine.

The search also revealed a pill bottle, with the label removed, containing a plastic bag of Fentanyl.

Cortez was arrested and faces charges including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of Class A drugs.

He is set to be arraigned in East Boston District Court.