Traffic stop brings trafficking charge
Cops describe suspect as longtime dealer of heroin, fentanyl
An alleged longtime drug dealer suspected of trafficking heroin and fentanyl in Whitman was arrested during a traffic stop after an alleged transaction, police said.
Whitman police said they arrested 31-year-old John Townsend of Berkley Friday evening after a twomonth investigation into heroin and fentanyl activity in the community.
An investigation into the trafficking operation began in February when Whitman police detectives developed information concerning the distribution of opioids on the west side of town, authorities said.
Detectives saw what appeared to be a drug transaction in the driveway of a home by Auburn and School streets Friday night, authorities said.
Townsend was stopped by police after rolling through a stop sign on Auburn Street near a local pharmacy.
Authorities said they found approximately 15 grams of a white powdery substance believed to be fentanyl, materials used to prepare heroin and opioids, multiple cellphones and $5,000 in cash during the arrest.
Whitman police Chief Scott Benton said 15 grams of pure fentanyl in theory is enough to cause several thousand overdose deaths.
“This case and the resulting arrest represent a terrific investigatory effort by our Whitman police detectives who removed an alleged leach from our community and likely saved a number of lives in the process,” Benton said.
Townsend is expected to appear in Brockton District Court tomorrow on charges of trafficking fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug.