Chief Michael P Murphy
150 Park St.
North Reading, MA 01864
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
North Reading Police Arrest Two After Drug Investigation
NORTH READING — Police Chief Michael P. Murphy reports that the North Reading Police Department arrested two men late last week after a multi-month investigation by North Reading Police Department and regional drug task force detectives, investigating reports of cocaine dealing in town.
As a result of diligent work by detectives, BEN J. BOYD, AGE 42 OF METHUEN and CHARLES PAYNE, AGE 51 OF MIDDLETON were arrested on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015.
The two men were known to police as previous drug offenders.
North Reading Police initiated an investigation into possible drug distribution at a local restaurant in November. A careful and purposeful investigation followed, which included assistance from other law enforcement agencies in the region.
The two suspects were arrested after on Friday evening at the local restaurant.
BOYD was charged with:
- Distribution of a Class B Substance (Two Counts)
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law (Two Counts)
- Trafficking in Cocaine (26.6 grams)
PAYNE was charged with:
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law (Two Counts)
- Disibution of a Class B Substance
- Operating a Motor Vehicle after License Revocation
Both will be arraigned today in Woburn District Court.
Chief Murphy praised the hard work of North Reading Police Detectives and regional partner agencies.
“Illegal drug distribution and abuse are problems in every community in the nation, and we will continue to meet it head-on,” Chief Murphy said. “I am very proud of the hard work and dedication by our North Reading Police Detectives, and I am grateful for the partnerships we have forged in municipal law enforcement that have, today, removed two alleged drug dealers from our community.”
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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