Norwood Police Charge 2 With Fentanyl Sales

NORWOOD, MA — A police investigation has resulted in the arrest of two people charged with dealing fentanyl.

During a May 30 traffic stop, detectives allegedly observed a drug deal between Darwin "Jay" Soto and a person in Norwood. Following the deal, Soto was stopped on Route 1 in Dedham. During the stop, police allegedly found 15 grams of fentanyl on Soto's passenger, Rafael Mercedes, and 16 grams were found on Soto. An additional 4 grams were recovered from the individual that met with Soto prior to the stop, police said.

About $2,500 in cash and two vehicles that Soto had used to conduct his drug deals were also seized by police.

Police say drugs sold by Soto have led to several overdoses.

Soto and Mercedes, both of Dorchester, were charged with distributing fentanyl, trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl, and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl. Soto is currently on probation for a case out of Boston Federal Court for conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of a Class A drug. Mercedes currently has an open case out of West Roxbury District Court where he is charged with three counts of distributing heroin, according to police.

Walpole Police, Boston Police, State Police, and several NORPAC agencies assisted with the investigation.

Image via Norwood Police Department