5 Charged After Mass. Police Confiscate 2,000+ Oxy Pills

In the early morning hours of Thursday, September 19, 2013, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Ryan Walczakwas on patrol of Route 495 northbound in the Town of Hopkinton when he observed a vehicle in the far right travel lane. The vehicle committed several moving violations and was stopped in the breakdown lane.

Trooper Walczak observed a New Hampshire dealer plate on the vehicle and began speaking to the operator. During this time Trooper Walczak observed a heavy odor of burn marijuana coming from the vehicle. One of the passengers admitted to smoking marijuana earlier accounting for the heavy odor.

Trooper Walczak determined the vehicle was unregistered due to numerous inconsistent statements from the operator and passengers. Further investigation yielded over 2,000 Oxycodone pills and two dozen Methadone pills secreted in a hidden compartment.

The vehicle was towed and five people including one juvenile were placed under arrest for trafficking in a Class B substance over 200 grams, possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate the drug laws. Their names are listed below.

RAUL FONTANA, 22, of  Lawrence, Mass.
MANUEL BARROSO, 31, of Nashua
JULIO HERRERA, 26 of New York City, New York
JOSE ROSARIO, 23, of Manchester.

Police said Fontana was also charged with a number of motor vehicle violations including: attaching plates, marked lanes violation, number plate violation, misuse of a dealer plate and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. All five, four adults and one juvenile were held for arraignment on Friday in Framingham District Court.

Massachusetts State Law does not allow the release the names of anyone under the age of 18 years old taken into custody.