SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU), led by Captain Brian Keenan and Sergeant Jaime Bruno, arrested five individuals on Oct. 30 and 31 in a continued effort to combat open air drug dealing, particularly around Worthington Street and Taylor Street.
The operations took place near the Friends of the Homeless shelter, where detectives focused their surveillance over the two-day period.
On Oct. 30, 56-year-old Luis Figueroa, 35-year-old Jansy Cruz, and 32-year-old Jonathan Fonseca-Tirado were apprehended on the 700 block of Worthington Street.
Authorities seized about 55 bags of heroin, 60 suboxone strips, 2.5 grams of cocaine, and nearly $500 in cash.
The following day, on Oct. 31, surveillance continued in the same area, leading to the arrests of 45-year-old Abimael Roman and 37-year-old Katie O’Brien, from whom approximately 20 bags of heroin were confiscated.
These arrests are part of an ongoing initiative to diminish the prevalence of open-air drug sales that have been affecting local businesses.
Earlier in the month, detectives arrested eleven individuals in connection to drug dealing activities around Worthington Street, Taylor Street, and Armory Street.
Figueroa faces charges including possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug as a subsequent offense and conspiracy to violate drug law.
Cruz is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug and conspiracy to violate drug law.
Fonseca-Tirado has been charged with possession with the intent to distribute both Class A and B drugs, as well as conspiracy to violate drug law.
Roman is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug as a subsequent offense and a default warrant, while O’Brien faces a charge for a default warrant.
The Springfield Police Department remains committed to addressing the issue of drug trafficking in the community.
