BOSTON — A joint operation by state and federal law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash following raids at 20 locations across southeastern Massachusetts.
The operation, conducted on April 15 and 16, targeted a drug trafficking organization involved in distributing fentanyl and cocaine throughout Bristol County.
Law enforcement seized approximately 2,360 grams of cocaine and 1,364 grams of fentanyl, along with 33 firearms, multiple high-capacity magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and $109,355 in U.S. currency during the searches.
The raids were carried out at locations in Fall River, Taunton, Raynham, Norton, Pembroke, and Falmouth as part of “Operation No Love,” which began in March 2024.
The investigation was led by the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET), Homeland Security Investigations, Raynham Police Department, and is being prosecuted by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators used physical and electronic surveillance, toll analysis, and court-authorized electronic intercepts of target cell phones to identify the organization’s hierarchy and methods of operation.
An undercover State Trooper successfully conducted nine controlled drug purchases with a member of the drug trafficking organization during the investigation.
Nearly 200 law enforcement officers participated in the coordinated operation on April 15, with additional seizures occurring on April 16 when investigators returned to a target location in Taunton.
The 16 individuals arrested face various charges including trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and firearms offenses.
Bail amounts for the defendants ranged from personal recognizance to $150,000, with one defendant being held without bail.
All charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
