Stoneham Teen, Two Others Arrested on Drug Charges

Stoneham Police arrested an 18-year-old Montvale Avenue resident after allegedly watching his “drug operation for one month,” according to the Stoneham Police.

Police arrested Deshaun Mercado, 18, of Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, and charged him with distributing a Class A substance (heroin), possessing a Class B substance (Suboxone) with the intent to distribute and possessing a Class E substance (Seroquel) on Monday.

Mercado reportedly sold heroin packaged in small .2 gram bags.

While conducting surveillance on Mercado, police also encountered an unrelated drug deal.

Police arrested Robert Jones, 28, of Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, and charged him with conspiracy to violate drug laws and Ebrima Marong, 27, of Lynnfield, and charged him with violating drug laws, failing to stop for police, a stop sign violation, operating a vehicle recklessly and operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

Police approached the two men when they reportedly saw Jones buy drugs from Marong. The two men fled, but police captured Jones after a brief foot chase. Marong allegedly tried to flee in a vehicle, but police caught him when the Lynnfield man allegedly drove down a dead-end street.

“I want to commend Stoneham Police Detectives for their diligent work in closing down an alleged heroin operation and then chasing down two other drug suspects,” said Stoneham Police Chief James McIntyre. “A strong message has been sent today, and we will continue to aggressively pursue drug dealers in our community.”