Police make drug-related arrests on 119
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Ashburnham Police seized heroin, cocaine and cash from two suspects they arrested on Friday, Dec. 29. COURTESY PHOTO

On Friday, Dec. 28, Ashburnham Police made two arrests on Route 119 involving members an interstate distribution ring of the narcotics.

Police arrested Nestor Berroa, of Lawrence, on the side of Route 119, and charged him with possession of a Class A drug with intent to distribute, possession of a Class B drug with the intent to distribute, and distribution of a Class A drug and trafficking heroin.

Ashburnham Police Chief Loring Barrett Jr., said Berroa was "a drug runner." Police also arrested Lance Curavoo, of Marlborough N.H., who was a customer of Berroa.

"These folks out of Lawrence have been providing this area, and southern New Hampshire and Vermont with a large supply of heroin and cocaine," Barrett said.

The investigation along Route 119 and the side roads in Ashburnham has been going on for several months by detectives from the North Worcester County Drug Task Force, according to police. Detectives from the task force, the State Police, as well as the Ashby and Rindge police departments assisted in Friday's arrests and the previous investigations.

Police seized 20 grams of heroin, three eight balls of cocaine, and cash. They also confiscated the suspects' cars.

"Throughout the investigation undercover detectives conducted controlled 'drug buys' from the drug dealers," according to the press release. "With this information arrest warrants and search warrants were issued."

Barrett said the area along Route 119 has only a few houses and a low level of traffic.

"This has been going on for some time," Barrett said.

Police do not think the put an end to the trafficking ring, but are pleased with the arrests they made.

"I think there is a lot more to this drug ring then we see here. It is probably being distributed in other areas of New England," Barrett said.

Berroa was held at by the Worcester County Sheriff's Department on $15,000 cash over the weekend and Berroa was expected to be arraigned in District Court during the early part of the week, according to Barrett.