In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in the North Shore of Massachusetts, law enforcement authorities have made what is believed to be one of the largest single-location drug seizures in New England’s history. An estimated 10 million doses of controlled substances, including a staggering eight million doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine-laced pills and powder, were confiscated during this operation. The combined street value of the seized drugs is estimated to exceed $8 million.
Three Men Arrested in Connection with Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Organization
The operation led to the arrest of three individuals who were allegedly running a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Emilio Garcia, known by aliases such as “6” and “25,” Sebastian Bejin, also known as “Bash,” and Deiby Felix, all residents of Lynn, Massachusetts, are now facing federal charges related to drug distribution and possession with intent to distribute.
Emilio Garcia and Sebastian Bejin have been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute, as well as one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Deiby Felix has been charged with one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. These defendants are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on November 13.
Over Three Months of Surveillance Leads to High-Impact Operation
The investigation that ultimately led to these arrests and seizures began in July 2023 when authorities were prompted by an overdose death in Salem, Massachusetts. This tragic event initiated a probe into a drug trafficking organization believed to be led by Emilio Garcia, Sebastian Bejin, and Deiby Felix. These individuals were placed under extensive surveillance for a three-month period, which culminated in the execution of search warrants at locations identified during the investigation. The arrests of the suspects took place on Wednesday, November 1.
Largest Single-Location Drug Seizure in Massachusetts and Region
On November 1, simultaneous searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn, Massachusetts, which were frequented by Emilio Garcia and Sebastian Bejin. These searches resulted in what is believed to be one of the largest single-location drug seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine not only in Massachusetts but also in the entire region. The seizure amounted to more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of controlled substances, including an astonishing nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart-shaped fentanyl-laced pills designed to resemble candy.
In total, approximately eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine-laced pills and powder were confiscated, with an estimated street value exceeding $8 million. This operation signifies a major step in the fight against drug trafficking in New England and serves as a testament to the dedication of law enforcement in combating this critical issue.
Drug Bust Reveals Shocking Quantities of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Counterfeit Pills
In a shocking turn of events, a massive drug bust in Massachusetts has uncovered staggering quantities of illicit drugs and counterfeit pills, leading to federal charges for several individuals involved. According to charging documents, law enforcement authorities seized more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of white powder and rock-like substances, which tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine base. Additionally, over 17 kilograms (37 pounds) of suspected raw methamphetamine were discovered, equivalent to more than 3.5 million individual doses.
In a startling revelation, approximately 280,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, believed to contain fentanyl, weighing 28 kilograms (61 pounds), were found with an estimated street value ranging from $1.4 million to over $7 million. Moreover, more than 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of counterfeit Adderall pills, believed to contain methamphetamine, were uncovered. Approximately 1.8 kilograms (four pounds) of brown rock and powder-like substances, testing positive for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, were also seized. This quantity of fentanyl alone equates to about 900,000 individual doses. The discovery underscores the severity of the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the region.
Statements from Key Officials Highlight the Gravitas of the Situation
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his concerns, stating, “The only thing more depraved than trafficking deadly fentanyl is trafficking deadly fentanyl designed to look like candy to appeal to teenagers. The Justice Department is focused on attacking every link in the global fentanyl trafficking chain, and we will not stop until those responsible for the fentanyl poisoning epidemic are brought to justice. We also continue to urge families to have open and honest conversations about the urgent threat posed by this epidemic, and the fact that just one pill can kill.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the significance of the seizure, remarking, “This seizure by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force saved lives in communities throughout Massachusetts. Not only was this seizure one of the largest in the history of Massachusetts, but some of the pills were created to look like candy, potentially presenting an enormous risk to children. The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in narcotics trafficking to keep drugs off our streets and out of the hands of children.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts underlined the gravity of the situation, saying, “The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts. The fact that we now are seeing fentanyl-laced pills pressed to resemble candy only underscores the urgency of this fentanyl crisis.”
Investigation Reveals Intricate Drug Trafficking Network
The investigation uncovered that suspects Garcia and Bejin regularly visited a stash location on Broadway, transporting substantial quantities of controlled substances to supply lower-level dealers. One such location supplied from the main stash was an address at 341 Western Avenue in Lynn, alleged to be the residence of Deiby Felix. A subsequent search of 341 Western Avenue revealed more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, consistent with those found in the Broadway stash location, along with a firearm. This intricate drug trafficking network underscores the complexity of the operation.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
The individuals involved in this extensive drug trafficking operation now face federal charges, including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to do the same. Each of these charges carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentences after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Boston Field Office led the investigation, with support from various law enforcement agencies, including the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Boston Division of IRS-Criminal Investigation, and several local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting the case, which continues to unfold as authorities work to dismantle this extensive drug trafficking operation.
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