Tewksbury Police Arrest, Charge Two With Fentanyl Trafficking

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury police arrested two people Sunday after receiving a call about a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot.

Both men were charged with fentanyl trafficking among other charges.

Police responded around 4:20 p.m. to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Police found two men who "appeared to be impaired" and "observed in plain sight numerous items which appeared to be drug paraphernalia," police said.

One of the men, Joe Khabbaz, 40 of Tewksbury, "attempted to flee the scene, which led to a foot pursuit," according to the police narrative. Khabbaz was arrested.

Jamie Simard, 45 of Lowell, was also arrested.

Police found over 14 grams of fentanyl, they said.

Simard was charged with trafficking over 10 grams of fentanyl, possession of crack cocaine (subsequent offense), possession of counterfeit notes and operating under the influence of drugs. He had an active warrant for stalking.

Khabbaz was charged with trafficking over 10 grams of fentanyl, possession of crack cocaine (subsequent offense), possession of counterfeit notes and resisting arrest.

Both men were due to be arraigned in Lowell District Court Monday.

All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.