November 30, 2016 -Springfield MA- Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced today the arrests of four suspects involved in a large scale cocaine trafficking ring. Arrested were: Hiram Martinez, 31, Jose Polaco, 42, Eveliz Gonzalez, 44, and Kimberly Spaeth-Barta, 50, all of Springfield, Massachusetts and all charged with Trafficking in Cocaine Greater than 200 Grams and Conspiracy to Violate Narcotic Drug Laws.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “I would like to thank the members of the Hampden County Narcotics Task Force, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Department of Homeland Security for their hard work and professionalism, which resulted in the arrests of high-level traffickers whose removal from our community will appreciably reduce the amount of drugs on our streets and improve public safety. We are focused on investigating, arresting, and aggressively prosecuting drug dealers and traffickers. It is they who profit from the scourge of addiction, which destroys lives, families, and communities.”

After becoming aware of a large scale cocaine importation and trafficking ring in the Springfield area, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Hampden County Narcotic Task Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service initiated an investigation.

The subs equent investigation revealed the alleged suspects, Hiram Martinez and Kimberly Spaeth-Barta, were receiving in excess of 20 kilograms of cocaine per month in packages that were sent from an organization in Puerto Rico. Once received, Eveliz Gonzalez would then allegedly facilitate deliveries that were eventually brought to Jose Polaco.

The necessary search warrants were secured and executed on November 29, 2016 and over four kilograms of cocaine and approximately $50,000 were seized. Participating in the arrest was the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s Office, members of the Springfield Police Department, the U.S. Postal Service and the United States Department of Homeland Security.  This is an on-going investigation.

All suspects will be arraigned in Springfield District Court.