Methuen, Andover Residents Among Those Arrested in Drug Bust

Lawrence Police Station.

Two Methuen residents and an Andover woman are among 22 people facing drug-related charges in court as the result of a “major anti-drug operation” by Lawrence police Friday.

Police seized assorted bags of heroin and just over $4,000 in cash. The investigation and operation was conducted in conjunction with several other law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Among those arrested, Farrin Dufour, 21, of Methuen, is charged with possession of a class A drug. Estalin Guerrero, 20, of Methuen, is charged with distribution of a class D drug and possession of a class D drug with intent to distribute. Chelsea Bennett, 21, of Andover, is charged with trespassing after notice, knowingly being present where heroin is kept and giving a false name on arrest.

“Today we sent a message to drug dealers and those who think they can come to our city to purchase narcotics with impunity that we will not tolerate this dangerous and illegal activity,” Lawrence Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick said. “Lawrence is not a city that will tolerate the proliferation of poisons in and around our community.”

The suspects range in age from 17 to 59 years old. Buyers had come from outside the city and the state to conduct business in Lawrence due to its proximity to major highways and the New Hampshire border, according to Fitzpatrick.

Some of the 22 suspects were arraigned Friday and others will be arraigned this week in Lawrence District Court.