HOLYOKE — Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan announced Monday that members of the Holyoke Police Narcotics/Vice Unit conducted an investigation into the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics in the city.
The operation was designed to deter open-air drug dealing and reduce overdoses in the city.
Around 3:05 p.m., a DEA Task Force Officer observed a subject, later identified as Rafael Castillo, conduct a suspected drug deal in the Pine Street area.
Officers observed Castillo remove suspected heroin/fentanyl from his shirt and give it to a subject, later identified as Katherine Gwozdzik.
Holyoke Police Sergeant Daniel Reardon, Detective Anthony Brach and Detective Jared Hamel detained both Castillo and Gwozdzik.
Detectives recovered approximately 20 bags of heroin and approximately .3 grams of crack-cocaine from Castillo.
Detectives also recovered seven bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl from Gwozdzik.
Detectives placed Castillo and Gwozdzik under arrest.
Rafael Castillo, 50, of Holyoke is charged with distribution of a Class A drug, possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug, possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug, possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug and conspiracy to violate drug law.
Katherine Gwozdzik, 44, of Holyoke is charged with conspiracy to violate drug law and possession of a Class A drug.
