Salem Police Seize Rifle, Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine In Cambridge Street Drug Bust

SALEM, MA — Salem police said a report of a fight in the early morning hours of Monday led to gun and drug charges against a Salisbury man who was parked in the middle of Cambridge Street.

Police said they responded to Chestnut Street at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday, where they said officers saw a car stopped in the middle of Cambridge Street.

"Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed evidence consistent with narcotics use," police said in a statement.

Police said they then searched the car and found a Smith & Wesson rifle, four 25-round .22 ammunition cartridges, seven spent shell casings, about 17 grams of what was believed to be fentanyl, about 2 grams of what was believed to be crack cocaine, steroids and a digital scale.

Police said Joao Carmargo, 26, of Salisbury, was charged with fentanyl trafficking, drug possession with intent to distribute, carrying a loaded gun without a license, possession of a silencer, along with other gun and motor vehicle violations.