SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) arrested 44-year-old Rafael Aviles and seized cocaine, heroin and an illegal firearm Tuesday at approximately 7:15 a.m.
The arrest followed a months-long investigation into illegal drug activity based on citizen complaints in the area.
Detectives identified Aviles as the target of the investigation and obtained a search warrant for an apartment on the 0-100 block of Belmont Avenue.
During the search, detectives seized approximately 22 grams of powder and crack-cocaine, nearly $2,000 in cash, loose ammunition, 15 bags of heroin and a loaded firearm.
Aviles, of Northampton, faces multiple charges including trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug as a subsequent offense, and several firearm violations.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Lt. Jaime Bruno, with assistance from Metro C3 Officers, Massachusetts State Police VFAS and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department.
