On Valentine’s Day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made a major drug bust in Massachusetts, arresting three men who were allegedly in possession of over 220 pounds of suspected controlled substances. Among the substances seized were an alarming amount of fentanyl shaped like Valentine’s Day heart-shaped candy.
The operation, which was carried out by a joint task force with the U.S. Department of Justice, resulted in the seizure of an estimated 10 million doses of controlled substances. This is believed to be one of the largest single-location drug busts in New England. The seized drugs had a street value of approximately $8 million.
The suspects, identified as Emilio Garcia, Sebastien Bejin, and Deiby Felix, were charged with various drug-related offenses and appeared in U.S. District Court on November 13th.
According to the charging documents, the investigation into the three men began in July 2023, after a death from an overdose in Salem, Massachusetts. The investigation led authorities to a drug trafficking organization (DTO) believed to be led by the suspects. The three men were under surveillance for three months before their arrests on November 1st.
Massachusetts: Fentanyl and meth pills made to look like heart-shaped Valentine’s Day candy were among more than 220 lbs. of drugs seized in a bust, federal prosecutors said. pic.twitter.com/eWVPZuCJNk
— Anny (@anny25717503) November 7, 2023
The drugs were found in the basement of a two-family residential home, despite the presence of multiple families and small children living in the building. This fact is particularly alarming, as the seized substances included fentanyl and methamphetamine-laced pills and powders, which pose a great risk to children.
In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed his outrage at the drug traffickers’ callous actions, saying, “The only thing more depraved than trafficking deadly fentanyl is trafficking deadly fentanyl designed to look like candy to appeal to teenagers.” He also emphasized the Justice Department’s determination to bring those responsible for the opioid epidemic to justice.
FBI Director Christopher Wray also weighed in on the bust, noting that the drugs seized in this operation exceeded the number of residents in Massachusetts. He also expressed concern over the fact that some of the pills were designed to look like candy, which could potentially appeal to children and put them at risk.
The FBI seized over 220 pounds of drugs, incl 20 pounds of pink heart-shaped pills appearing like Valentine’s Day candy, laced with fentanyl. FBI Boston. The FBI arrested Emilio Garcia 25, Sebastien Bejin 33, and Deiby Felix 40, all three from Lynn, Massachusetts.🤬 pic.twitter.com/kOctGBBJsN
— Sumner (@renmusb1) November 7, 2023
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The doses of controlled substances seized in this case exceed the number of residents in Massachusetts.” He also emphasized the urgency of the ongoing opioid crisis and urged families to have open and honest conversations about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs.
This recent drug bust not only highlights the severity of the drug epidemic in the United States but also sheds light on the disturbing tactics used by drug cartels and traffickers to engage young people. It serves as a sobering reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and prevent future tragedies.
The FBI has stated that their investigation into this DTO is ongoing, and they are determined to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that pose a threat to communities in the United States.