Stoneham Police Encounter Drug Deal in Progress, While Conducting Unrelated Drug Investigation

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Stoneham Police Encounter Drug Deal in Progress, While Conducting Unrelated Drug Investigation

Month-Long Heroin Investigation Ends with the Proverbial Two Birds with One Stone

STONEHAM — Police Chief James McIntyre announces that the Stoneham Police Department has successfully charged an alleged drug dealer, after a month-long investigation into heroin distribution in the community.

However, in the process of closing in on the alleged dealer, police conducting surveillance encountered a totally unrelated drug deal in progress. As a result, three drug suspects were taken off the streets Monday.

“I want to commend Stoneham Police Detectives for their diligent work in closing down an alleged heroin operation and then chasing down two other drug suspects,” Chief McIntyre said. “A strong message has been sent today, and we will continue to aggressively pursue drug dealers in our community.”

DESHAUN MERCADO, AGE 18, OF MONTVALE AVENUE IN STONEHAM was arrested and charged with distribution of a Class A Substance (heroin), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance (Suboxone) and Possession of a Class E Substance (Seroquel) after police watched his alleged drug operation for one-month.

MERCADO is accused of selling heroin packaged in small .2 gram bags, the investigation showed him to be selling. He was arrested after police executed a search warrant on his home on Monday. He will be arraigned later today in Woburn District Court.

During surveillance operations on Monday, police observed an alleged drug transaction between two other individuals.

As a result, ROBERT JONES, AGE 28, of MONTVALE AVENUE IN STONEHAM and EBRIMA MARONG, AGE 27, OF LYNNFIELD were arrested after detectives witnessed JONES allegedly purchase drugs from MARONG.

Police approached the two suspects, but they fled. JONES was captured after a brief foot chase. MARONG tried to flee in a vehicle, but was captured after he drove down a dead-end street.

JONES was charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws. He will be arraigned later today in Woburn District Court.

MARONG was charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws, failure to stop for police, stop sign violations, operating a vehicle recklessly, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. He will be arraigned tomorrow in Woburn District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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