Alleged Drug Trafficker Arrested, May Be In The Country Illegally
Lawrence man busted with cocaine and crack cocaine.
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A 28-year-old man, who may be in the country illegally, is facing felony drug charges after Tewksbury Police allegedly witnessed him selling cocaine in Tewksbury.
Joel Santiago-Vazquez 28 of 239 Farnham St, Lawrence was arrested Thursday (Sept. 1), just before 8 p.m. on Shoreline Drive.
According to information provided by Police Chief Timothy Sheehan, undercover Tewksbury detectives observed Santiago-Vazquez conducting transactions in the Woburn Street area. The officers then followed him to Shoreline Drive, where they saw him allegedly selling more drugs.
The detectives stopped Santiago-Vazquez and found 16 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine in multiple plastic packages hidden inside a Pringles potato chip can with a false bottom.
Santiago-Vazquez was arrested and charged with Trafficking a Class B substance (Cocaine and Crack Cocaine) over 14 grams.
According to Sheehan, Santiago-Vazquez has a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and a vehicle registered in his name. However, he said that a preliminary investigation with Immigration and Customs (ICE-Homeland Security) revealed that Santiago-Vazquez may be in the country illegally.
According to Sheehan, ICE has placed an immigration detainer on Santiago-Vazquez pending the outcome of their investigation into his immigration status.
Santiago-Vazquez was scheduled to be arraigned at Lowell District Court on Friday.
Kathleen Brothers
9:57 am on Saturday, September 3, 2011
As usual, Good work from our Police Department!!!
Steevo
11:14 am on Saturday, September 3, 2011
I could wish punishment befell him as an illegal committing this crime in his native country.
Jim
11:42 am on Saturday, September 3, 2011
Isn't it great that our governor welcomes Illegals with open arms?
Dan
9:34 am on Sunday, September 4, 2011
Not a problem for the Gov, and Another illegal with a Valid drivers license....Well at least he doesn't have a SS card like Obama's uncle, who will get to stay I'm sure!!! You wonder why SS is in trouble?????
malcolm nichols
6:03 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
Why don't we track this from start to finish. We can see our judicial system at work and see if ICE will actually do its job.
Doubltful.
Jade
8:45 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
I am sick and tired of hearing about all the people that have entered this country illegally and get all the benefits of this great nation that us hard working American citizens have to work for to receive it. Deport them all!