Tewksbury Police Make Weekend Heroin, Weapons Arrests

In separate incidents, Tewksbury Police arrested three out of town residents, seized a large amount of heroin and confiscated two loaded firearms over the weekend.

Police said that on Saturday, Tewksbury officers combined with Andover Police to investigate drug distribution. The investigation began after Erik Owen, 41, of 486 Lowell Street, Andover, was arrested on drug charges by Andover Police.

That led to the search of a home at 94 Longmeadow Road, Tewksbury. During the search police located and seized 550 grams of heroin, a handgun and ammunition, Tewksbury Police said.

As a result, Owen was charged with trafficking heroin over 200 grams, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

On Sunday, Tewksbury Police said they observed what appeared to be a drug deal near Andover Street.

Following the incident, police arrested Kirstn Mateja, 25, of 120 Hampstead Road, Apt. A, Derry, N.H., and Kevin Nadeau, 25, of 4 True Ave., Derry, N.H. They were each charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possessing a loaded firearm.

Police said a third party was not arrested, but admitted that he was meeting with an individual to purchase heroin after being brought there by Nadeau and Mateja. According to Tewksbury Police, the drug deal never materialized because the dealer was suspicious and fled the area.

Both suspects were scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Lowell District Court, police said.