Gloucester Police arrested an individual and seized nearly 200 grams of suspected narcotics following a week’s long investigation.
Ruben Febre-Delacruz of Lynn was arrested Monday on charges of trafficking between 100 and 200 grams of cocaine, trafficking between 36 and 100 grams of fentanyl, resisting arrest and driving on a suspended license.
Gloucester Police Detective David D’Angelo reported that over the course of several weeks the department had been investigating an individual known as “Papi” who had been traveling to Gloucester in a white minivan to distribute narcotics to fishermen. Police made a plan to intercept a suspected narcotics transaction, and on Monday conducted a targeted traffic stop where suspected narcotics, including cocaine and fentanyl, were found mostly in a hidden compartment in a white minivan’s center console.
D’Angelo reported approximately 115 grams of suspected crack cocaine was found in 56 separate bags and 72 grams of suspected fentanyl was found in 33 separate bags.
Additionally three cell phones, an apparent 3D-printed 9mm Glock-style magazine, and a Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance card belonging to a woman were found as well, according to D’Angelo’s report.
“This arrest represents a significant disruption to the flow of dangerous drugs into the community,” according to department statement quoting Acting Police Chief Michael Williams that was posted on Facebook. “While enforcement remains a priority, the department is equally committed to working with community partners to ensure that those struggling with substance use have access to treatment, recovery, and support services, recognizing that addressing the issue requires both strong enforcement and a compassionate public health approach.
Gloucester Police were assisted in their investigation by the Salem Police Department who reported the van “Papi” used, which was not registered to Febre-Delacruz, was not at the owner’s Salem apartment building in the time leading up to the suspected transaction.
Police placed surveillance units in the area of the suspected transaction and D’Angelo reported these units watched the van loop around a Speedway parking lot before traveling slowly to the transaction location. The van turned down Haven Terrace where police stopped the van and, after a struggle, D’Angelo and Officer Jonathan Good arrested the driver, later identified as Delacruz.
Per the report, Delacruz continued to resist once out of the vehicle and attempted to reach for a black fanny pack around his waist. D’Angelo also reported Delacruz spit out two bags of a hard white substance which appeared to be crack cocaine..
Several other officers arrived, and two bags of a brown, powdery substance which D’Angelo said appeared to be fentanyl were seen in the armrest pocket on the driver’s side door.
The vehicle was then searched and large quantities of suspected narcotics and the magazine were discovered in a hidden compartment in the center console, according to the report. Also found were the cellphones, which D’Angelo reported were consistently ringing throughout the arrest process, and multiple forms of identification with different names and birthdays.
D’Angelo reported Delacruz’s probation record shows over 50 adult entries with numerous prior convictions for narcotics trafficking offenses.
Police requested a search warrant of the vehicle and additional charges could be sought if more narcotics or a weapon is found.
Delacruz was arraigned Tuesday and will be back in court Friday for a detention hearing.
Staff Writer Bobby Grady may be contacted at 978-675-2714 or bgrady@gloucestertimes.com.