3 Face Heroin Charges After Worcester Police Spot Deals On Main

WORCESTER, MA—Three men face drug charges after police set up shop in the Main Street area recently following complaints.

The Worcester Police Department's Vice Squad had surveillance equipment set up in the areas of Main and Marble streets on Wednesday, Aug. 8, because they had gotten numerous complaints about drug dealing in the area. Officers positioned themselves near the Donna Key Rest Home to be on the lookout, said police.

Around 7 p.m., a man known to the officers from prior drug investigations walked in the alley behind 1006 Main St. Edwin Vega, 50, Main Street, talked on his cell phone, sat on a fence of the Marble Street Apartments and officers saw him sit something out of his mouth and then meet with a man later identified as Lance Halloran, 56, Chandler Street.

Vega was spotted exchanging the item for cash from Halloran, said police. Halloran immediately walked down Marble Street and got into a car, driving off. Vice officers believed that they had just witnessed a street level drug deal take place and decided to split up, some officers remaining at the current location while others followed the Chrysler.

The Chrysler pulled into the parking lot of Mass Liquors at 392 Chandler Street. Vice officers approached Halloran, and recovered two bags of heroin from Halloran’s hand. Halloran was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Class A Substance.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Vega was seen again coming out of the Main Street address. Vega met up with a male on Marble Street that was later identified as Albert Ramos, 42, Main Street. The two men began to walk towards the alley heading towards Clement Street. At this time several vice officers converged on the two men. Ramos noticed the officers closing in and was seen placing a bag of heroin into his mouth. Ramos resisted arrested, but was subdued, said police.

Vega was placed under arrest without incident and charged with Distribution of Class A Substance (second or subsequent offense). Ramos was charged with Trespassing, Resisting Arrest and Tampering with Evidence.
A search of the men produced $252 from Mr. Vega which was confiscated as proceeds from distributing illegal narcotics.

Al three men will be arraigned at the Worcester County District Courthouse.

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