Over 220 pounds of drugs, including fentanyl shaped like Valentine's Day candy, seized in Lynn
BOSTON – On Monday, the acting United States Attorney for Massachusetts announced the seizure of over 220 pounds in illegal drugs from a home in Lynn, including some shaped like Valentine's Day candy. It is believed to be one of the largest single-location seizures in New England history.
"There were more doses seized in this one house in Lynn, than there are people in Massachusetts," said U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy.
The seizure included 9.2 kilograms of fentanyl that was made to look like heart-shaped Valentine's Day candy.
Emilio Garcia, Sebastien Bejin and Deiby Felix have been charged with drug trafficking. All three are due in federal court next week.
"This case may be eye-opening for some in the public, but for those of us who work in this space it's a reminder that there's still so much work to be done," Levy said.
Including the spread of deadly drugs to younger age groups. Police are investigating the possibility the candy-shaped pills were aimed at a younger crowd.
"Think about that for a moment. Our school supplies now include erasers, pencils, and Narcan. Why are they doing that? Because the numbers among adolescents are increasing more and more," Levy said.
The bust came after two months of surveillance on this house, where police say they found the drugs, plus cash and five guns in a locked room in the basement which served as a boarding house. Upstairs in two units live several families including young children, who police worry could have been exposed to dangerous substances.
Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy is grateful this big load of drugs is now off the street. "Our city, like many cities, has been devastated by the opioid epidemic, and it impacts all ages from teens to literally 80 year-olds," Reddy said.