CHELSEA — Chelsea police executed a search warrant at 25 Eden Street early Friday morning, arresting a suspected cocaine trafficker following a coordinated operation with the North Metro SWAT Team.
Michael Leiva, 29, was taken into custody and charged with trafficking cocaine (100 grams or more) and possession of a Class E substance.
The raid, conducted at approximately 6 a.m., was the culmination of an extensive investigation by Chelsea Police detectives into illegal narcotics distribution in the area.
Authorities identified Leiva as a documented member of the East Side Money gang with a history of violent criminal activity.
Police recovered a replica firearm during the search of the residence.
The North Metro Tactical Team was called to assist with the warrant execution after detectives received credible information that the suspect might be armed.
“We understand that members of the community may have concerns about the nature of this morning’s operation,” said Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton.
“We want to assure our residents that this was a Chelsea Police-led investigation.”
Houghton emphasized that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was not involved in the operation, which focused solely on addressing violent criminal activity and drug trafficking.
Leiva is scheduled for arraignment in Chelsea District Court on May 24.
