Braintree Police Arrest Salem Man On Fentanyl Trafficking Charge

BRAINTREE, MA — A Salem man was arrested after police said they seized 70 grams of fentanyl and an illegal handgun. Joseluis Benitnez-Vasquez, 32, was charged with trafficking more than 36 grams of fentanyl, distribution of a class A drug and, unlicensed possession of a firearm and driving without a license.

Just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said they saw Benitnez-Vasquez pumping gas at the Super Petroleum station on Quincy Avenue. Police told the Patriot Ledger Benitnez-Vasquez's Ford Escape was a vehicle of interest in a narcotics investigation.

After he finished pumping gas, police said Benitnez-Vasquez pulled into a parking space, waited for another car to arrive and then sold fentanyl to another man. Officers pulled over Benitnez-Vasquez and told the Patriot Ledger they found 70 grams of fentanyl, an unlicensed gun and $400 cash.

For more on this story, check out the Patriot Ledger.