SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit seized a loaded firearm, heroin, crack-cocaine and more than $5,000 in cash Thursday morning during an investigation into illegal gun possession and drug distribution.
The seizure occurred at approximately 11:10 a.m. on the 0-100 block of Calhoun Street, according to police.
Detectives had been investigating Raul Pantoja for several months for illegal possession of a firearm and illegal distribution of crack-cocaine, police said.
Officers observed Pantoja in a vehicle Thursday and detained him.
Detectives recovered drug paraphernalia, more than $5,300 in cash and approximately 28 bags of heroin from Pantoja during the arrest.
A search of his vehicle yielded a loaded firearm and crack-cocaine, police said.
The firearm was loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.
The crack-cocaine weighed approximately 86.5 grams.
Pantoja, 44, of Springfield, was arrested and charged with cocaine trafficking 36-100 grams, possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.
The investigation was conducted under the direction of Lt. Jaime Bruno.
