Wilmington Man Charged with Heroin Possession

WILMINGTON, MA - A Wilmington man faces heroin possession charges following a drug task force investigation in Melrose this week.

Melrose Police Chief Michael L. Lyle says his department arrested two men for possession of heroin and cocaine on Thursday, Feb. 18 after an undercover drug investigation.

On Feb. 18, a detective responded to a residence on Hurd Street after receiving multiple complaints of illegal drug activity involving Anthony J. Vivolo, 45 of Melrose.

Working with representatives from a regional drug task force, the Melrose detective set up surveillance at Vivolo’s residence at 2 p.m.

While monitoring the area, police noticed a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck arrive at Vivolo’s home and watched him get into the vehicle.

Officers then observed the pickup truck pull into the Richdale Convenience Store, 54 West Wyoming Ave. They approached the vehicle and noticed a baggie filled with a white powdery substance that appeared to be cocaine inside. Police then asked Vivolo to step out of the vehicle and found another bag of the same substance in his pants pocket.

The operator of the truck was identified as Gerald F. Ahern, 47 of Wilmington. He was also asked to exit the vehicle, and upon doing so, police located three baggies of what appeared to be heroin on his person.

Both men were arrested. Vivolo was charged with Possession of a Class B Drug, Cocaine. Ahern was charged with Possession of a Class A Drug, heroin.

“I would certainly like to commend the work of Melrose police and the representatives from the drug task force who assisted us during this investigation,” Chief Lyle said. “It is our hope that these folks who are struggling with drug addiction will seek out the help they need to recover.”

Vivolo and Ahern were held at the Melrose Police Department pending their arraignment at Malden District Court.