SPRINGFIELD — A joint investigation led by the FBI Western Massachusetts Safe Streets Gang Task Force, along with the Chicopee Police Narcotics Unit and Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit, resulted in the seizure of two firearms, a significant quantity of drugs, and the arrest of a local man on Jan. 22.
At around 10:30 a.m., authorities arrested 28-year-old Johnadier Santiago at his residence on the 100 block of Atherton Street following months of investigation into drug activity linked to the location.
A search warrant previously obtained for Santiago’s home and vehicle allowed detectives to recover two firearms and over $1,000 from the home, and a cache of drugs from both the residence and Santiago’s vehicle.
The operation escalated when detectives, conducting surveillance, observed Santiago leave his home and drive off.
A subsequent traffic stop near Carew Street and Decker Place led to the execution of the search warrant, which unveiled more than 45 grams of powder and crack cocaine in the garage and additional drugs and cash in Santiago’s vehicle.
In total, detectives confiscated approximately 44.2 grams of powder cocaine and 15.5 grams of crack cocaine, amounting to 59.7 grams.
They also seized $2,728 in cash.
The vehicle yielded over $1,700, around 4.5 grams of cocaine, 17 bags of heroin/fentanyl, and 24 individually packaged bags of crack cocaine.
Santiago faces multiple charges, including cocaine trafficking, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, improper storage of a firearm near a minor, and possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug.
The Chicopee Police Department has been instrumental in the ongoing investigation and subsequent arrest.
