HOLYOKE — A multi-agency investigation led to the recovery of a loaded firearm and more than 50 grams of cocaine from a Hampden Street apartment, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan announced.
Members of the Holyoke Police Narcotics Unit, Chicopee Police Narcotics Unit and the FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force had been investigating the distribution of cocaine by Felix Vargas from his apartment for several months.
Chicopee Police Detective Terry Dec applied for and was granted a search warrant for the apartment and Vargas’ vehicle on Friday, June 6.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, members of the Holyoke Police Narcotics Unit, FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, Chicopee Police Narcotics Unit and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department executed the search warrants.
Law enforcement officers detained several subjects inside the apartment, including Vargas.
As Vargas was being handcuffed, he threw several items over a railing.
The items were recovered and found to be three bags of powder cocaine.
After Vargas was arrested, two additional bags of cocaine were recovered from his sneaker and three bags in the cruiser he was transported in.
Law enforcement officers also arrested Erica Weeks and Christy Suarez from inside the apartment.
Officers seized an illegal loaded firearm, approximately 26 bags of crack-cocaine, ten bags of powder cocaine, $725 in cash, a Taser and a firearm magazine.
Felix Vargas, 46, of Holyoke is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, trafficking cocaine 36-100 grams and possession of an electric stun gun.
Erica Weeks, 38, of Holyoke is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, trafficking cocaine 36-100 grams and possession of an electric stun gun.
Christy Suarez, 45, of Holyoke is charged with an arrest warrant.
