$3M Drug Bust in Middlesex County

TEWKSBURY, MA — Two men were arrested in Tewksbury last week and charged with trafficking $3 million worth of fentanyl.

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Hilda Gandia, 42, of Lawrence, and Agustin Antonio Tejeda Ruis, 45, of Tewksbury, were arrested in a raid at their Tewksbury residence Friday.

Drug agents said they found $21,000 worth of cash, a kilo press, and distribution materials in the home.

Fentanyl is typically used to cut heroin and can be fatal in low doses.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said targeting heroin and fentanyl dealers is a top priority. Last year, there are 185 overdose deaths in Middlesex County alone, she said.

“We are working aggressively to combat the opioid epidemic,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Early testing has revealed the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid even more potent than heroin—making this seizure extremely significant given the deadly nature of this substance. This investigation has taken potentially millions of dollars worth of dangerous drugs off our streets.”

Gandia and Ruis were charged with a host of drug trafficking crimes. Gandia’s bail was set at $7.5 million; Ruis’ bail was set at $10 million.