Drug Dealers Offered 'Samples' Out In The Open, Tewksbury Police Say

TEWKSBURY, MA — Three people are accused of dealing drugs after police found a bag that contained cocaine in Tewksbury.

Police responded to the area of 95 Main St. on Monday on a report of a bag "that appeared to contain a white, powdery substance found on the door handle of a vehicle."

Police investigated and found that the bag, which contained cocaine, had been placed on the vehicle earlier that morning.

The bag also had a note attached that included a name and phone number.

Police investigated and on Tuesday discovered that a Honda Civic and an Infiniti Q50 were involved in a drug deal.

Police stopped both cars and arrested Heysol Ortega Berduo, 19, of Lawrence; Leuris Medina, 25, of Methuen, and Robert Romelus, 27, of Methuen. All three were charged with conspiracy to violate drug law and possession with intent to distribute a class B drug.

Police said they found 4 grams on Ortega Berduo when he was arrested.

Police also found a turtle in the trunk of the Honda Civic. The turtle was taken into custody by a Tewksbury-Billerica Animal Control Officer.

The trio was scheduled for arraignment in Lowell District Court on Wednesday.

“The brazenness with which they attempted to lure people to buy drugs by placing samples out in the open is disturbing,” Police Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement. “I’m proud of the work of our patrol division and drug unit, as we will continue to be proactive in holding drug dealers accountable.”