SPRINGFIELD — A collaborative effort between Massachusetts State Police and the local Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) culminated in the apprehension of three individuals on Friday, March 1, and the confiscation of a significant quantity of narcotics and firearms.
The operation, spearheaded by the State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team’s West Unit (CINRET-West), targeted a suspected cocaine distribution hub operating from a first-floor apartment at 953 Liberty St. in Springfield.
The investigation, spanning several months, led to the issuance of a “knock and announce” search warrant by the Springfield District Court.
In the pre-dawn hours, CINRET-West, with the support of Springfield FIU, carried out the search warrant.
The search revealed approximately 150 grams of suspected cocaine, Phencyclidine (PCP), a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and a MAC-11 subcompact machine gun complete with ammunition and two 32-round high-capacity magazines.
The MAC-11 is known for its rapid discharge capability, able to deplete its full magazine within approximately two seconds due to its 1,200-round-per-minute firing rate.
The three arrested residents were identified as 35-year-old Carlos Collazo, 45-year-old Luis Clemente, and 38-year-old Joselyn Collazo.
They were taken into custody and booked at the Springfield Police Department.
Carlos Collazo faces multiple charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun, two counts of possession of a large capacity magazine, unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of possession of a firearm with three or more prior violent offenses, two counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, violation of a 209a order prohibiting possession of firearms/ammunition, and trafficking in cocaine, 100-200 grams.
Luis Clemente and Joselyn Collazo are each charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (PCP) and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (cocaine).
The operation marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against illegal narcotics distribution and gun violence in the region.
