BROCKTON — Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced that 35 people have been charged as part of the 2024 Brockton Opiate Suppression Initiative, a concerted effort by Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police to tackle opiate sales and related criminal activities in the city.
The operation, which ran from May through July, involved undercover narcotics purchases and culminated in the execution of 20 arrest warrants early this morning.
Over 60 law enforcement officers, organized into six teams, carried out the arrests at around 5 a.m.
Charged with various drug offenses were individuals including Alex Alemany, Michael Andrade, and John Bertelli, among others.
Thirteen additional people with outstanding warrants unrelated to today’s sweep were also apprehended.
Key to the investigation was the alleged drug distribution enterprise of 66-year-old William Newton.
A search of his residence on Allen Street and his Mercedes E350 led to the seizure of crack cocaine, Fentanyl, and Gabapentin pills.
Newton faces charges of drug trafficking and possession.
Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn and Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez lauded the collaborative effort of the operation, emphasizing its importance for public safety and community well-being.
Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan also commended the partnership between local and state law enforcement and affirmed the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for its residents and visitors.
The initiative is ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to serve additional arrest warrants related to the investigation.
