Salem Man Arrested In Massive Merrimack Valley Drug Bust

LAWRENCE, MA -- A 26-year-old Salem man was one of 45 people arrested this month in a massive, federal investigation into a drug distribution syndicate in the greater Lawrence area. Isua Torres-Pineda, also known as "Edwin Carmona," was charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

The U.S. Attorney's office led the year-long investigation that involved local, state and federal law enforcement agencies into what was described as an "extensive and organized" drug distribution network run by brothers Sergio Martinez, 28 and Raulin Martinez, 36, both of Lawrence. Investigators say the brothers operated a pipeline that funneled massive quantities of narcotics into New Hampshire and Maine.

In addition to the arrests, investigators seized 60 pounds of fentanyl, two guns and $500,000 in cash. Most of the suspects lived in Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill and Lowell.

"The Martinez brothers allegedly used a vast network of dispatchers and distributors to serve customers large and small with knowledge that a substantial amount of drugs were going to New Hampshire," investigators said in a statement. "They allegedly maintained a residence in Lawrence, Massachusetts, staffed by dispatchers who took drug orders over various 'customer phones.' This residence was called 'the base.' Dispatchers allegedly then communicated with distributors located throughout the Merrimack Valley to arrange for customers to meet them."

The arrests were made in a pair of sweeps in April involving more than 100 law enforcement agents, but the investigation was not announced until Thursday.

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Patch file photo via Shutterstock.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).