Two Alleged Drug Dealers Nabbed

A multi-month investigation by North Reading Police Department and a regional drug task force culminated in the arrest of two alleged cocaine dealers.

Police arrested Ben J. Boyd, 42, of Methuen, and charged him with distribution of a Class B substance (two counts), conspiracy to violate drug law (two counts) and trafficking in cocaine (26.6 grams) and Charles Payne, 51, of Middleton, and charged him with conspiracy to violate drug laws (two counts), distribution of a Class B substance and operating a motor vehicle after his license was revoked.

Police made the arrests at an unnamed local restaurant on Friday. The men were ”known to police as illegal drug offenders,” according to North Reading Police.

“North Reading Police initiated an investigation into possible drug distribution at a local restaurant in November. A careful and purposeful investigation followed, which included assistance from other law enforcement agencies in the region,” said North Reading Police.

“Illegal drug distribution and abuse are problems in every community in the nation, and we will continue to meet it head-on,” said North Reading Chief Michael Murphy. “I am very proud of the hard work and dedication by our North Reading Police Detectives, and I am grateful for the partnerships we have forged in municipal law enforcement that have, today, removed two alleged drug dealers from our community.”

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