Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Arrest Two on Drugs and Weapon Charges
METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon reports that the Methuen Police Department arrested a man and woman on drugs and weapon charges today.
EDGAR ARIAS, AGE 29, OF METHUEN was arrested and charged with:
- Distribution of a Class A Substance (fentanyl) (three counts)
- Trafficking Fentanyl
- Possession of a Class B Substance With Intent to Distribute
ARIAS also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.
CHELIMAR GONZALEZ, AGE 28, OF METHUEN was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm Without a License.
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, the Methuen Police Department’s Narcotics/Gang and Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at an apartment at 10 Willow St., which is in close proximity to Howard Playstead Park, as part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics distribution.
As a result of the search, officers seized 10 bags of cocaine totaling approximately 7 grams, 53 bags of fentanyl totaling approximately 56.9 grams, a semi-automatic handgun and $1,940 in cash.
“These arrests, and seizures, come as a result of directed, proactive, police work. I’m proud of the hard work employed by Sgt. Eric Deleon and the Narcotics/Gang/Intelligence Unit.” Capt. James Jajuga Jr. said. “The fact that a firearm was located furthers our contention and belief that narcotics distribution has a detrimental impact on all law abiding citizens, both directly and indirectly. We will continue to employ all available resources to combat this epidemic.”
During the search of the apartment, officers located a young child and have referred information about the case to the Department of Children and Families.
“This case is a tremendous example of the critical work our police officers do every day to proactively protect our city’s residents,” Mayor James Jajuga said. “Their extensive investigative work in this case resulted in the removal of a significant amount of deadly drugs, and a dangerous firearm, from our streets.”
ARIAS is being held on $50,000 bail, and GONZALEZ is being held without bail pending their arraignments, which are scheduled for Thursday morning in Lawrence District Court.
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