SPRINGFIELD — Three people were arrested Thursday in connection with open-air drug dealing on the 700 block of Worthington Street, police said.
Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit made the arrests after receiving complaints from the business community for several months about drug distribution and use in the area, including near the Friends of the Homeless Shelter.
Detectives conducting surveillance observed Merkin Andrade conduct suspected drug deals, police said.
Detectives then observed Juan Ponce conduct a suspected drug deal with Andrade and Glendalys Ramos.
When detectives moved in, they detained Ponce and recovered two capsules of cocaine before arresting him.
Andrade attempted to flee but was quickly caught, police said.
Detectives recovered 13 capsules of cocaine from Andrade and placed him under arrest.
Police recovered six packets of heroin/fentanyl from Ramos and arrested her.
Detectives also recovered approximately 70 bags of heroin in the area where Andrade and Ramos were sitting, which Ramos was observed attempting to discard.
A search of Andrade yielded $202 in cash, police said.
A search of Ramos yielded $433 in cash and approximately nine pre-packaged bags of marijuana.
Merkin Andrade, 35, of Springfield is charged with distribution of a Class B drug, possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug – subsequent offense, conspiracy to violate drug law and resisting arrest.
Glendalys Ramos, 35, of Springfield is charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug, possession with intent to distribute a Class D drug and conspiracy to violate drug law.
Juan Ponce, 35, of Springfield is charged with possession of a Class B drug.
