AMESBURY — Two men were arrested Wednesday for their alleged involvement in a fentanyl trafficking operation following a months-long investigation by the Amesbury Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Essex County Detective Unit.
In early December, a concerned resident of Amesbury reported an encounter with Antonio Soto Baez, 27, of Lawrence, who provided a sample of fentanyl and his contact information.
This tip led the investigators to conduct multiple undercover purchases from Soto Baez, establishing probable cause for his arrest.
On Jan. 8, in the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn, authorities observed a suspected drug deal between Soto Baez and Brett Canney, 70, of Scarborough, Maine.
Upon intervention, a significant amount of fentanyl and cocaine was found in their possession.
Both Soto Baez and Canney were detained and taken to the MSP barracks in Newbury for booking.
The following day, they were arraigned in Newburyport District Court.
Soto Baez faces charges including multiple counts of trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.
Canney has been charged with trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and possession of Class B drugs.
