Dealer Peddling 'Cheap' Taunton Heroin Arrested in Barnstable: Police

BARNSTABLE, MA — A heroin dealer was arrested in Barnstable after telling officers she planned to make a profit after buying heroin for $40 a gram in Taunton and reselling it on Cape Cod for $100 a gram. Leslie Peterson, 46, of Yarmouth, was charged with heroin possession with intent to distribute. She was out on bail at the time after she was arrested for heroin in a separate case in Brewster last month, police said.

Yarmouth police and the state police Cape Cod Drug Task Force said officers conducted a traffic stop on Peterson as she drove a gray 2005 Ford pickup truck on Route 132 in Barnstable Friday.

"Peterson began to cry and told the police officers that she was out on bail ... and might be going to jail," Yarmouth police said in a statement. "Peterson voluntarily pulled a knotted corner baggie containing five grams of tan powder from her bra. Peterson admitted that she (traveled) to Taunton and that she purchased six grams for $40 a gram as opposed to $100 a gram on Cape. Peterson reported that because of the price difference, she can make a profit on Cape Cod by traveling to Taunton for cheaper prices then reselling it on the Cape."

Peterson was released on bail pending an arraignment.

Photo: Leslie Peterson. (Credit: Yarmouth police)