WORCESTER — Four individuals were arrested by Worcester Police Vice Squad officers on Jan. 3 following a surveillance operation that led to the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected crack cocaine.
At approximately 10:35 a.m., officers were conducting surveillance in the area of May St when they noticed a suspicious exchange between the occupant of a gray Nissan and a pedestrian.
After witnessing a hand-to-hand transaction, the team split to follow the vehicle and detain the female on foot, who was found in possession of what appeared to be crack cocaine.
The Nissan was subsequently stopped on Park Ave, where officers arrested the occupants, identified as 65-year-old Bruce Monfreda of Maywood St, 47-year-old Heidi Provost of Crystal St, 33-year-old Michael Kohlstrom of Millbury, and 26-year-old Nam Nguyen of Sophia Drive.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of a substance believed to be crack cocaine.
Charges against Monfreda and Kohlstrom include distribution of a Class B substance, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws.
Provost faces the same charges in addition to an outstanding arrest warrant.
Nguyen is also charged with trafficking a Class B substance between 18-36 grams and has an outstanding arrest warrant.
The operation underscores the ongoing efforts by the Worcester Police Department to combat drug distribution in the city.
The suspects are currently being held pending their arraignment in court.
