May 27, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni today announced the results of three major drug trafficking investigations that have dismantled significant narcotics distribution networks operating in and around Springfield.

“These operations reflect the power of collaboration between my office and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” said District Attorney Gulluni. “Together, we’ve made a significant impact on the availability of dangerous drugs in our region and brought dozens of traffickers to justice.”

DA Gulluni was joined by Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Colonel Marc Lavoie of the Division of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Tucker of the Division of Investigative Services; Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, among other representatives.

The investigations were led through DA Gulluni’s office and the Hampden County Narcotics Task Force (HCNTF), the Strategic Action & Focused Enforcement Task Force (SAFE), and the Massachusetts State Police’s Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team Western Region (CINRET West). The operations were supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York and Springfield, the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit, and the Springfield Police Department Firearms Investigation Unit.

Operation One: Garcia Market Drug Trafficking Organization

Since October 2022, investigators with the DA’s HCNTF and SAFE units have been investigating drug trafficking activity centered around Garcia Market (344 Orange St.) and Angel’s Used Appliances (167 White St.), which served as fronts for an extensive trafficking network. The area has long been plagued by gun violence, with over 80 firearm-related calls to police during the investigation period.

On May 15, 2025, investigators executed arrests and seizures, resulting in:

• 12,138 grams of cocaine
• 530 grams of fentanyl
• 15 firearms
• 19 individuals arrested

The defendants face a range of charges including drug trafficking, firearm possession, child endangerment, and stolen property offenses.

Operation Two: Springfield-Bronx Drug Pipeline

In the summer of 2024, CINRET West began investigating Anthony Perez of Springfield for heroin/fentanyl distribution. Surveillance revealed that Perez was supplied by a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in both Hampden County and the Bronx.

In collaboration with HSI and DEA agents in New York and Massachusetts, investigators conducted a months-long investigation, leading to:

• 2,061 grams of heroin/fentanyl
• 3,060 grams of cocaine
• 29 firearms
• 30 individuals arrested

The defendants face trafficking, firearm, and conspiracy charges. The most recent arrests occurred on May 14, 2025.

Operation Three: Luna Drug Trafficking Organization

In a recent investigation, the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit and Springfield Police Department uncovered a cocaine trafficking network run by Ruben Luna and associates. 

Search warrants executed on May 22 at three Springfield locations uncovered:

• Approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine
• 437 grams of cocaine
• 570 grams of cocaine
• 78 grams of heroin
• Additional narcotics and pills
• Three individuals arrested

The defendants are facing trafficking and conspiracy offenses.

All defendants are presumed innocent of all allegations until proven guilty.

Use of Advanced Detection Technology

Gulluni also highlighted the role of new technology, including the MX908 Drug Analyzer and the TruNarc Analyzer, provided through a partnership with the Massachusetts National Guard. These devices enabled investigators to detect substances such as fentanyl, cocaine HCL, xylazine, eutylone, tramadol, and several cutting agents, enhancing field-level narcotics identification.

“These three operations have disrupted dangerous supply lines and removed dozens of high-level traffickers from our streets,” said DA Gulluni. “Our priority remains saving lives, preventing overdoses, and holding accountable those who profit from addiction and violence.”

As the region heads into the summer months – when drug trafficking and violence historically rise – Gulluni emphasized that these proactive operations send a strong message and are intended to protect public safety in Springfield, Hampden County, and beyond.