In a major drug bust in New England, the FBI has arrested three Massachusetts men who were found in possession of over 220 pounds of suspected controlled substances. Among the seized drugs were eight million doses of fentanyl- and methamphetamine-laced pills and powder, including 20 pounds of pink heart-shaped pills designed to resemble Valentine’s Day candy. The estimated street value of the drugs is $8 million.
The arrested individuals have been identified as 25-year-old Emilio Garcia, 33-year-old Sebastien Bejin, and 40-year-old Deiby Felix, all from Lynn, Massachusetts. They have been charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Garcia and Bejin also face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possess controlled substances with distribution intent.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed his concern over the trafficking of deadly fentanyl disguised as candy, particularly targeting teenagers. He emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to combatting the fentanyl poisoning epidemic and bringing those responsible to justice.
The investigation into the drug trafficking operation began after an overdose death in Salem, Massachusetts in July 2023. After three months of surveillance, search warrants were executed on November 1 at four locations in Lynn, leading to the arrests of Garcia, Bejin, and Felix. The searches resulted in the seizure of over 200 pounds of drugs, including the 20 pounds of heart-shaped fentanyl-laced pills. Additional drugs discovered included methamphetamine, cocaine base, Percocet pills containing fentanyl, Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, and substances testing positive for methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.
During the searches, investigators also found five firearms and learned that Garcia and Bejin would regularly deliver drugs from one stash location to lower-level dealers. Felix’s residence was identified as one of the stash locations, where nearly 7 pounds of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl were found.
FBI Director Christopher Wray commended the North Shore Gang Task Force for their efforts in saving lives and preventing the distribution of dangerous drugs in Massachusetts. He highlighted the significant size of the seizure and the potential risk to children posed by the candy-like appearance of some of the pills.
The three men are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on November 13, 2023.
