SPRINGFIELD — Detectives from the Springfield Police Department, along with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, arrested three individuals and confiscated a substantial quantity of illegal drugs in a significant narcotics bust.
The operation, directed by Captain Brian Keenan, took place around 11:30 a.m., targeting an apartment complex on the 100 block of White Street.
It was the culmination of an investigation that began in the summer, focusing on heroin distribution activities conducted by Helpy Montero-Martinez, 49, and Justin Ramos, 23.
During the surveillance operation, detectives observed Montero-Martinez and Ramos enter an SUV.
After a brief encounter with Luis Valentin, 49, on the 400 block of Hancock Street, detectives detained Valentin and Ramos, discovering 100 bags of heroin and cash on their persons.
Montero-Martinez attempted to evade arrest but was apprehended before he could re-enter his third-floor apartment, dropping heroin and crack-cocaine in the process.
Following the arrests, detectives obtained a search warrant for Montero-Martinez’s apartment and the building’s basement, where they conducted a search at around 4:00 p.m., uncovering additional drugs.
The total haul included over 11,000 bags of heroin, weighing approximately 232 grams, and 345 grams of cocaine, divided into 191.4 grams of powder and 153.7 grams of crack cocaine.
More than $1,600 in cash was also seized.
Montero-Martinez faces multiple charges, including trafficking cocaine and heroin, distribution of a Class A drug, conspiracy to violate drug law, possession with the intent to distribute Class A and Class B drugs, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest.
Ramos is similarly charged with trafficking cocaine and heroin, distribution of a Class A drug, conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute Class A and Class B drugs.
Valentin has been charged with possession of a Class A drug.
The arrests represent a significant blow to the local illegal drug distribution network.
