LAWRENCE — A major drug takedown dubbed “Operation Crazy Train” resulted in 11 arrests of Lawrence and Methuen residents and the seizure of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamines, weapons, vehicles, and cell phones, authorities said.
A task force of federal, state and local investigators raided 15 addresses during an 11-month probe that included cellphone wiretaps, according to Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
Officers from various agencies seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 193 grams of cocaine, 225 grams of methamphetamine, 206 grams of pills, 30 grams of crack cocaine, two large-capacity firearms, and one magazine containing 15 rounds of ammunition, as well as additional ammunition, Campbell said.
The investigation initially targeted a group of individuals believed to be trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine out of multiple apartments at a residential building in Methuen.
An undercover trooper was introduced to the trafficking operation in November 2023 and subsequently made 26 controlled purchases of narcotics from multiple individuals. Over the course of the investigation, troopers seized an additional 613 grams of fentanyl and 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine, Campbell said.
Between May and October 2024, the attorney general’s office and state police were granted authorization to intercept seven suspects’ cellphones via wiretap.
Through the course of the four-month wiretap investigation, law enforcement obtained evidence that the targeted drug trafficking organization was supplying narcotics to numerous customers. They identified a source of the narcotics supply to be an individual named Yasil DeLossantos, Campbell said.
Investigators were granted authorization to wiretap the cell phones of DeLossantos and three other individuals. All of these individuals, including DeLossantos, were confirmed to have supplied narcotics to other drug trafficking operations with their own customer bases, authorities said.
Delossantos, 33, of Lawrence, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws and trafficking fentanyl.
Through the course of the investigation, investigators received authorization for well over 100 search warrants. They gathered evidence through wiretap intercepts, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical surveillance, static surveillance cameras, cell phone location data, and GPS tracking devices on multiple vehicles.
On Oct. 1, authorities submitted an affidavit in Lawrence Superior Court supporting search warrants at 15 target locations in Methuen and Lawrence. In addition to those locations, investigators also received authorization for search warrants for 13 individuals, three vehicles, and to seize and forensically examine five target cellphones.
The searches took place simultaneously and involved more than 200 members of law enforcement from federal, state and local agencies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The following individuals were arrested and arraigned in Lawrence District Court on the following charges on Oct. 4:
Alexander Franco Melo, 23, of Methuen, conspiracy to violate drug Laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamines, distribution of methamphetamines, possession of a firearm without an FID card and possession of ammunition.
Edwin Arias Melo, 24, of Methuen, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, possession class B substance with intent to distribute, trafficking cocaine, distribution of cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamines.
Angel Luis Medina Melo, 31, of Lawrence, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamines, trafficking cocaine, distribution of cocaine.
Lauris Mercado Victoria, 29, of Methuen, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamines, trafficking cocaine, possession of firearm without FID card, possession of ammunition, possession of large capacity firearm.
Cristian Gonzalez Cosme, 50, of Methuen, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamines, distribution of methamphetamines, trafficking cocaine.
Angel Franco Romero, 48, of Methuen, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamines, trafficking cocaine.
Luis Arias Mateo, age 30, of Methuen, possession of firearm without FID card, possession of large capacity firearm, improper storage of a firearm, improper storage of a firearm near a minor.
Santo Marte-Aybar, 34, of Lawrence, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking cocaine.
Franklin Avalo, 34, of Lawrence, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl, trafficking methamphetamines, trafficking methamphetamines, trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Julio Baez, 32, of Lawrence, conspiracy to violate drug law, trafficking fentanyl, possession of large capacity feeding device, possession of ammunition,
An arrest warrant was also issued for a 12th suspect, Guerin Lara Vizcaino, 25, of Lawrence, for conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking fentanyl and trafficking cocaine.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department, the Epping Police Department, and the Lynn Police Department also assisted.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill.