Police seize almost 2 kilos of heroin, $120,000 in Holyoke, Springfield

HOLYOKE — A monthslong investigation into a large-scale heroin trafficking operation around the Springfield area has led to the seizure of 94,000 bags of heroin and the arrest of five men, according to police.

Law enforcement agencies were granted search warrants Monday for 249 Oak St. in Holyoke as well as several addresses in Springfield and a 2000 Ford Ranger, according to a spokesman from the Hampden district attorney’s office. Police say they found 94,274 bags of heroin weighing 1.885 kilograms, $120,000 in cash and three firearms.

Arrested late Monday on warrants in connection with the investigation and charged with trafficking in heroin were Miguel Martinez Pinto, 40, of Springfield, David Vazquez-Roman, 34, of Springfield, Natividad Pagan, 58, of Chicopee and Carlos Leon, 52, of Springfield. Santiago Ruiz, 41, of Springfield, was also arrested Monday and charged with possession of heroin.

“Despite challenging circumstances, we continue to focus our resources on the most harmful offenders in order to keep drugs off our communities’ streets. I thank all the investigators involved in this investigation, including those from my office,” Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said in a statement. “This is a very significant heroin seizure and dismantling this trafficking organization is a positive development for public safety in the greater Springfield area. My office will now focus on a swift and effective prosecution of these offenders who sought to profit from the pain and devastation of addiction.”

The police investigation contained many local, state and federal agencies.

Each person arrested was expected to be arraigned in Holyoke and Springfield district courts on Tuesday, according to the district attorney’s office.

Michael Connors can be reached at mconnors@gazettenet.com.]]>