Undercover Cape Cod Fentanyl Bust: 2 Arrested

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Cape Cod fentanyl trafficker was arrested after a two-month, undercover investigation, police announced Tuesday. Charles MacDougald, 57, of Yarmouth, was charged with a host of crimes after a raid Monday at his Yarmouth apartment on Route 28. A woman, identified as Vaughnessa Dinger-Jones, 20, of Barnstable, was also arrested at the apartment, police said.

Police said MacDougald trafficked "U-47700," a synthetic opioid linked to multiple overdose deaths across the country. Barnstable and Yarmouth police collaborated on the investigation.

"During the investigation, extensive surveillance was conducted and several undercover purchases of the drugs were made," Barnstable police said in a statement. (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Barnstable Patch.)

Police said they found 26 grams of fentanyl, 12 grams of cocaine, drug distribution materials and $3,800 in cash at MacDougald's apartment. He was charged with trafficking fentanyl, cocaine possession with intent to distribute (subsequent offense) and being an armed career criminal.

"Macdougald has an extensive criminal history with numerous convictions for violent crimes dating back to 1995," police said. "MacDougald was recently released from a 7 year prison sentence for Armed Robbery and is currently on Barnstable Superior Court probation for Armed Home Invasion."

Dinger-Jones was charged with possession of fentanyl and cocaine. Both suspects were arraigned Tuesday in Barnstable District Court.

Photo: Charles Macdougald (left) and Vaughnessa Dinger-Jones . (Credit: Barnstable Police Department)