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Joint investigation leads to arrests, disrupts illegal gun pipeline to Springfield

1 min read

SPRINGFIELD — A collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and drugs in an operation aimed at dismantling a gun trafficking pipeline from Vermont to Springfield.

Over the past six months, the Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police and Hampden County Sheriff’s Deputies, have worked together to target the illegal flow of guns into the city, which has been linked to violent crimes.

Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers praised the interstate cooperation, saying, “The I-91 pipeline from Vermont to Springfield has long been a conduit for drug and gun trafficking that leads to violence on our city streets.” He commended the detectives and ATF task force for their efforts in intercepting firearms and deterring criminal activities.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno expressed his gratitude toward the law enforcement teams for their “tireless work” in enhancing community safety and reiterated the importance of ongoing operations to remove violent offenders from the streets.

Special Agent in Charge of ATF Boston Field Division, James M. Ferguson, emphasized the significance of federal and local partnerships in combating violent crime, noting that the individuals arrested were responsible for perpetuating violence in Springfield through firearms and narcotics trafficking.

The investigation, led by Springfield Police Lieutenant Jaime Bruno, Sergeant David Robillard, and ATF R.A.C.

Brian Ross, identified suspects involved in exchanging drugs for guns and transporting them across state lines from Vermont to Massachusetts.

During the investigation, one illegal firearm and drugs were recovered.

Arrests were made on December 17th and January 8th, capturing several individuals, including Joseph Llano, Justin Llano, Jose Cotto, and Tanashe Edwards, in Springfield and South Hadley, Massachusetts, as well as Michael Haskins in Barre, Vermont.

The suspects face various federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and multiple firearm-related offenses.

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