STURBRIDGE, MA — Two men face drug charges following a traffic stop that led to the seizure of approximately 500 bags of suspected heroin.
Nicholas Harrington, 32, of Holland, and Joshua Conley, 34, of Southbridge, were arrested after Officer Brandon Hill stopped their vehicle on Main Street near Brookfield Road on Jan. 16, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Officer Hill observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed before initiating the stop.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer made observations that indicated the possible presence of narcotics and requested additional units to the scene.
Officer Hill observed a small clear container with white powdery residue in plain view in the center console.
A roadside investigation and search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of paraphernalia commonly used to ingest heroin and fentanyl, along with plastic baggies and balloons.
Approximately 150 bags of suspected heroin were recovered from a car wash mitt concealed inside the vehicle’s trunk.
Harrington was placed under arrest without incident.
When officers attempted to arrest Conley, he resisted, struggled with officers, assaulted a responding officer, and fled on foot into the Heritage Green housing complex.
A large-scale search involving Sturbridge Police, Massachusetts State Police Troopers, K-9 and Air Wing units, and Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council drone operators was conducted, but Conley was not apprehended at the scene.
An arrest warrant was issued, and Conley was later taken into custody at his residence by the Southbridge Police Department.
The vehicle was towed to the Sturbridge Police Department, and a search warrant was obtained.
During the warranted search, officers recovered an additional 350 bags of suspected heroin concealed inside a sunglasses case located within an envelope.
Officers also seized more than $600 in U.S. currency and three cellular phones.
Both men were arraigned Tuesday morning in Dudley District Court.
Harrington was arraigned on one count of trafficking a Class A substance.
Conley was arraigned on possession of a Class A substance with intent to distribute, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
