Tewksbury PD Arrests 2 Men Accused Of Trafficking Fentanyl

TEWKSBURY, MA — Two men were arrested Thursday in Tewksbury after officers said they observed the pair participate in an apparent drug transaction, which police later determined involved fentanyl, the Tewksbury Police Department said.

Jeffrey Gutierrez, 32, of Lawrence, and Nathan Leach, 45, of Sanford, Maine, both face drug charges, according to police.

Gutierrez was charged with trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl, possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute (subsequent offense), and possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute, according to authorities.

Leach, meanwhile, was charged with trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl, the Tewksbury PD said.

Authorities said Gutierrez and Leach were scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Lowell District Court.

According to police reports, at approximately 1 p.m. Thursday, members of the Tewksbury PD Narcotics Unit, who were supported by members of the Middlesex Sheriff's Office, observed what they believed was a drug deal in the parking lot of a shopping center, located at 85 Main St.

Officers stopped the two suspects, who were driving separate vehicles, according to the Tewksbury PD.

The department said officers discovered that Leach had a small bag containing over 19 grams of fentanyl, while Gutierrez had $180 and two bags containing approximately 68 grams of marijuana.

Investigators also discovered that Leach was wanted on an active warrant out of Haverhill District Court, according to police.

Both suspects were taken into custody at the scene, the Tewksbury PD said.