South Hadley man arraigned on cocaine, weapons charges

Gavel and scales

Gavel and scales Creatas

Staff Report

Published: 02-01-2024 5:44 PM

SOUTH HADLEY — A South Hadley man was ordered held on $3,000 bail following his arraignment Thursday in Eastern Hampshire District Court on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, subsequent offense, possession of a firearm without a license and several other weapons-related charges, according to the Northwestern district attorney’s office.

South Hadley Police, working with the Northwestern District’s Anti-Crime Task Force, executed a search warrant at the home of Justin Velez, 32, early Thursday on Cottage Avenue, from where he is alleged to have run a drug distribution operation.

Velez pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Belchertown court.

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Vandals set fire to pride flags at Thornes; reward for anyone who can identify young men caught on video
Déjà vu: Northampton City Council fails to pass budget for second straight year
Area property deed transfers, June 20
Marine vet gets 24 months of supervised release in stolen valor case, must pay nearly $300K in restitution
Rare corpse flower in bloom at Smith College, but not for long
Old clothes, new stories: Couple crafts sustainable fashion as latest artists to use A.P.E. Gallery’s Arc program