SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit seized more than 2,300 bags of heroin and an illegal firearm during an operation Thursday at approximately 6:40 p.m.
The seizure came after a two-week investigation addressing community concerns about drug dealing near St. James Blvd. and St. James Avenue.
Detectives observed a suspected drug deal on the 100 block of St. James Circle before conducting a traffic stop after the vehicle parked on the 1000 block of St. James Avenue.
Officers recovered cocaine from the passenger, identified as Naithen Soto, 32, who was arrested for drug possession and on multiple outstanding warrants.
Detectives then arrested Wilfredo Santa, 51, who was spotted in the driveway of a home on St. James Circle that had been under surveillance.
A search of Santa’s basement residence yielded 2,341 bags of heroin (approximately 46.82 grams), cocaine, crack-cocaine, an illegal firearm and more than $2,900 in cash.
Santa faces multiple charges including drug trafficking, firearm possession without a license, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Soto was charged with drug possession and held on multiple warrants, including a fugitive from justice warrant from Enfield, Connecticut.
