GREENFIELD — Greenfield Police Detective Kevin Rowell helped take 1,532 bags of heroin with a street value of $8,000 off city streets in Northampton Tuesday evening.
Northampton Detective Lt. Alan Borowski said Wednesday that members of the Northwestern District Attorney’s anti-crime task force, including Rowell, were surveilling the area of Bridge Street near Pop’s Package Store around 8:20 p.m. when they observed what appeared to be a “hand-to-hand drug transaction,” involving a vehicle.
When officers approached the vehicle from which the transaction took place, Borowski said they observed heroin on the ground nearby.
In searching the car, officers said they found approximately 1,500 bags, as well as a small amount of cocaine valued at $270.
Police said they arrested Harold George Boyer, 47, of 491 Bridge Road and charged him with heroin trafficking, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and disorderly conduct (a subsequent offense). Police said he will be arraigned Wednesday in Northampton District Court.
Borowski said habitual heroin addicts use anywhere between one and 20 bags a day, depending on their habit.
“It’s one of the largest heroin seizures we’ve had in quite a while,” he said. “This is part of our departments’ commitment to target heroin dealers in our community.”
Rowell and Northampton Police Detective Peter Fappiano made the arrest.
Amanda Drane can be contacted at adrane@gazettenet.com.