Gloucester Police Department Assists in Major Drug Bust

GLOUCESTER — The Gloucester Police Department is proud to announce a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat the distribution of illegal drugs within the community. Gloucester Police Detectives, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, successfully apprehended and arrested an alleged drug trafficker.

MANUEL DELEON-VENTURA, 30, OF LYNN, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Fentanyl (100 Grams or More)
• Trafficking in Cocaine (200 Grams or More)
• Carrying a Firearm Without a License
• Possession of Ammunition Without an FID
• Trafficking in Heroin/Morphine/Opium/Fentanyl (36 to 100 Grams)
• Distribution of Cocaine

Over the past months, GPD Detectives Jonathan Trefry and Josiah Aberle have conducted numerous drug investigations aimed at curbing the influx of illegal narcotics into Gloucester. Detectives Trefry and Aberle identified DELEON-VENTURA as an alleged source of these illegal drugs.

DELEON-VENTURA was apprehended on Route 128 in the Danvers/Peabody area and a search warrant on the suspect’s vehicle was executed on June 5. The search uncovered an extensive cache of illegal narcotics that included approximately: 289 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 841 grams of suspected cocaine, 79 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 72 grams of suspected fentanyl, 72 grams of suspected pressed fentanyl pills, 160 grams of suspected pressed methamphetamine pills, a 9mm Glock handgun, and 9mm ammunition.

DELEON-VENTURA was arrested at that time, arraigned in Salem District Court, and held without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Essex County Superior Court on August 13.

“This arrest is a testament to the unwavering dedication and exceptional investigative skills of Detectives Trefry and Aberle, as well as our collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police Essex County Detective Unit,” said Chief Conley. “By removing a significant amount of illegal drugs and a dangerous firearm from our streets, we are taking a substantial step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. The Gloucester Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting our citizens and maintaining the integrity of our investigations.”

The Gloucester Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents through rigorous law enforcement and community collaboration.

All suspects and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.