SALEM, MA — Nearly a dozen people are facing crack cocaine and fentanyl drug possession and distribution charges following what Salem police are calling a two-month investigation "to identify individuals selling drugs on the street in downtown Salem."
Police said the operation came amid "numerous reports of open-air use and distribution of illegal drugs in downtown Salem" and came during the heart of the Halloween tourist season expected to draw more than 1 million visitors to the Witch City through the weekend.
The crackdown on Oct. 21 included a search of a tent community on city-owned property behind Broadway near the multi-use path.
"During the execution of the search warrant, detectives observed hazardous conditions within the site, including a tent containing soiled clothing, substantial accumulations of trash with evidence of rodent activity, propane tanks, and a cooler containing moldering food," police said. "Due to the hazardous conditions, the site was closed, and the City of Salem Department of Public Services subsequently conducted a cleanup of the area."
Police said the investigation was conducted alongside outreach efforts to help those experiencing substance use disorder with appropriate support and resources.
Police said the following people were charged during the investigation:
Jacqueline Vargus, 55, recently of Everett — Four counts of Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine).
Ronald Santos, 38, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine).
Carlos Feliz, 30, of Lynn — Three counts of Distribution of a Class B Substance, Subsequent Offense (Crack Cocaine); Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine); and Operating a Motor Vehicle After Suspension.
Luis Vega, 60, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine).
Jeremy Marchand, 38, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine).
Nicholas Penachio, 58, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine).
Freeman Lindsey, 40, recently of Boston — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine) and Distribution of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl).
Gregory Levesque, 37, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine) and Distribution of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl).
Amy Bishop, 51, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine) and Distribution of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl).
Jason Murphy, 46, of Salem — Distribution of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine) and Distribution of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl).
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