Massive Drug Seizure in Lynn Uncovers Large-Scale Trafficking Operation
by Patrick Wilson
BOSTON, MA – In a major blow to drug trafficking in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, authorities have seized over 220 pounds of suspected drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, in what is believed to be the largest single-location seizure in New England history. The seizure, which culminated a three-month-long investigation, led to the arrests of three Lynn residents, Emilio Garcia, 25, Sebastien Bejin, 33, and Deiby Felix, 40.
The investigation began in July following an overdose death in Salem, Massachusetts. As authorities delved deeper, they uncovered a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in Lynn. The investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for distributing significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout the North Shore and beyond.
On November 1, 2023, armed with search warrants, law enforcement officers executed simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Lynn. The raids yielded a staggering trove of drugs, including:
- Over 20 pounds of pink, heart-shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy
- 22 pounds of white powder and rock-like substances testing positive for methamphetamine and cocaine base
- 37 pounds of suspected raw methamphetamine
- Approximately 280,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, believed to contain fentanyl, weighing 61 pounds
- More than 59 pounds of counterfeit Adderall pills, believed to contain methamphetamine
- Approximately four pounds of brown rock and powder-like substances, testing positive for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine
In addition to the drugs, firearms and various other narcotics were also seized.
“This seizure by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force saved lives in communities throughout Massachusetts,” stated FBI Director Christopher Wray. “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 U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts emphasized the alarming trend of fentanyl-laced pills being disguised as candy, highlighting the potential danger to unsuspecting individuals, especially children.
“The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts,” remarked Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “The fact that we now are seeing fentanyl-laced pills pressed to resemble candy only underscores the urgency of this fentanyl crisis.”
The three defendants, Garcia, Bejin, and Felix, are currently facing charges of drug possession with intent to distribute. They are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on November 13, 2023.
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