Drugs, guns and ammunition dominated Haverhill police activity for several hours Thursday afternoon, leading to the arrests of five people.
Shortly after 1 p.m., police seized a sawed-off shotgun and cocaine at 16 Garfield St. Raymond M. Garcia, 34, of Chelsea, and Maria Metz, 30, 70 Brook St., Haverhill, were arrested shortly after 1 p.m. and charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun, trafficking in firearms, trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Metz was further charged under warrants for distribution of cocaine and trafficking in cocaine, heroine/morphine/opium. Garcia was also charged with driving with a suspended license after a driving under the influence charge.
Just after 2 p.m., police arrested Nichole Butzien, 25, 440 North Ave., at her home for conspiracy to violate drug laws and unlicensed possession of ammunition. An hour later, Jessica Merrill, 32, and Jose Ortiz-Cruz, 44, both of 34 Grand Ave., were both arrested and charged with unlawful possession of firearms. Merrill was also charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws, while Ortiz-Cruz was additionally charged with unlicensed possession of ammunition.