Dozen Charged In Salem Drug Bust Targeting Those Preying On City's Homeless

SALEM, MA — A drug crackdown targeting those Salem police said were preying on the homeless led to a dozen people charged with distributing fentanyl and cocaine during February, police said on Monday.

Salem police said the investigations focused on the areas of Canal and Margin streets and those accused of "supplying narcotics to the city's vulnerable unhoused population." Police said the crackdown included outreach to the homeless on substance-abuse resources.

The investigation led to 12 being charged on Thursday, including three people from Salem and a Beverly woman, with 60 grams of fentanyl and 21 grams of cocaine seized.

Police said Gerald Glover, 33, of western Massachusetts, and Cornelius Groce, of Lynn, were charged with fentanyl trafficking.

Those charged with drug distribution were Gregory Harrison, 59, of Boston, Matthew Selig, 43, of Rye, NH, Cheryl Messina, 60, of Beverly, Harvey Acosta, 47, of Boston, Luis Flores, 37, of Boston, Zachary Steifel, 36, of Salem, Courtney Fuller, 45, of Salem, Timothy Bergevin, 41, of Fitchburg and Westminster, Anthony Meara, 28, of Salem, and Willy Guerrero-Berroa, 28, of Lynn.

Those with information on illegal drug sales are encouraged to contact Salem police's anonymous tip line at 978-619-5627.