BOSTON — Members of the Boston Police Drug Control Unit arrested a 32-year-old Randolph man Thursday in connection with an ongoing fentanyl distribution investigation.
Rafael Mercedes was taken into custody following a comprehensive investigation into large-scale narcotics trafficking activity conducted by Boston police working with the Norfolk County Police Anti-Crime Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Investigators executed search warrants at a storage unit at 121 Homestead Street in Dorchester that was linked to Mercedes.
The search recovered multiple bags containing tan, pink and white powder substances found in boxes and on shelves throughout the unit.
Officers also found bags containing white rock substances and additional loose white rock material.
A black .357 Magnum revolver was recovered from a blue suitcase in the storage unit.
The suitcase also contained a box with 44 live rounds of .38 Special ammunition and another box with 41 live rounds of .357 Magnum ammunition.
A Porsche key fob was found in the same suitcase.
Additional evidence included personal documents bearing Mercedes’ name, an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency, multiple digital scales, numerous cut plastic baggies and other drug packaging materials.
The seized fentanyl weighed approximately 115.5 grams.
Mercedes is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges including trafficking Class A substance over 100 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
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