Drug Investigation Leads to Arrest of Wakefield Man

A Wakefield man is facing multiple drug charges after an investigation by local detectives lead to his arrest on Friday.

Anthony C. Lacava, 43, of 22 Kendrick Road was scheduled to be arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday on charges of distribution of cocaine, resisting arrest, possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance, possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance, and possession of a Class B substance.

Wakefield detectives Chris Grace and Jack Ryan had Lacava under surveillance for suspected drug activity for some time, according to Deputy Police Chief Craig Calabrese.

On Friday, the detectives got a search warrant for Lacava’s vehicle and house from Malden District Court.

Along with the help of detectives from the regional drug task force, police were able to arrest Lacava on Friday.

Calabrese said the detectives followed Lacava’s 2000 Honda on Friday and saw a man get into the car on New Salem Street for about one minute in what the detectives believed was a drug deal.

Ryan and Grace spoke to the person who was in the car with Lacava while the other area detectives searched the car.

Lacava refused to get out of the car and did not comply with police orders, according to Calabrese.

“He continued to refuse demands to get on the ground and was actively resisting,” said Calabrese.

One of the regional detectives had a Taser and asked Lacava to comply several times. When Lacava refused, Calabrese said the detective used the Taser and Lacava was then handcuffed and taken into custody.

Between the car and Lacava’s home, Calabrese said the detectives found cocaine with a street value of $1,100 and marijuana with a street value of $1,500, along with cash and some oxycodone pills.