Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Monday, Jan. 22, 2018
Contact: Capt. James Jajuga Jr.
Phone: 978-380-2150
Email: JJajugaJR@ci.methuen.ma.us
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Arrest Man on Drug Trafficking Charges
METHUEN — Mayor James P. Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon report that the Methuen Police Department arrested a man on multiple drug trafficking charges this afternoon.
DANNY RAPHAEL BARIAS, AGE 43, OF LAWRENCE, is charged with:
- Trafficking in Fentanyl
- Trafficking in Cocaine (crack)
- Trafficking in Cocaine (powder)
On Monday, Jan. 22, at approximately 2:30 p.m., under the command of Capt. James Jajuga Jr. and the supervision of Sgt. Eric DeLeon, the Methuen Police Department Narcotics/Gang/Intelligence Unit were conducting surveillance on BARIAS as part of an ongoing investigation.
While observing BARIAS in his vehicle in the area of Curtis Street near Bicknell Avenue, police witnessed a possible narcotics transaction taking place and conducted a motor vehicle stop on BARIAS.
As a result of an on-scene investigation, police located 94.4 grams of fentanyl, 20.7 grams of crack cocaine and 56 grams of powder cocaine in a hidden hydraulic compartment of BARIAS’ vehicle, which was located with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit.
BARIAS was subsequently placed under arrest and is being held at the Methuen Police Station on $50,000 cash bail pending his arraignment in Lawrence District Court.
“I am extremely proud of our police department for their strong investigative work in this case,” said Mayor Jajuga. “As a result of this arrest, the Methuen Police Department removed a large number of dangerous drugs from our streets.”
“This case is a prime example of outstanding police work,” Chief Solomon said. “Our number one goal is to keep our residents safe, and the officers involved in this investigation have done just that by preventing these harmful substances from being distributed in our community.”
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