Police display of weapons seized earlier this month.
Haverhill police and federal marshals made their 28th arrest this morning in a continuing crackdown on illegal drugs and firearms dealings in the city.
Willy J. Metz, 29, of 30 Briarwood Drive, Haverhill, was arrested early this morning on multiple warrants for allegedly trafficking firearms and trafficking cocaine. The warrants stemmed from a joint investigation by Haverhill police and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Metz is due to be arraigned in Haverhill District Court today.
“As a result of a joint investigation involving municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies, 27 dangerous individuals were apprehended. Many of those targeted in this campaign are extremely dangerous individuals who posed a significant threat to the safety of our citizens. We feel confident that the city and the region is a lot safer with these individuals off the streets,” Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro said in a statement issued this morning.
Including Metz’s arrest, the 28 October arrests have also resulted in the seizure of 15 firearms, including sawed off shot guns, assault rifles and handguns, as well as a large quantity of illegal narcotics ranging from heroin, oxycodone pills, marijuana and cocaine, police said.
“This case remains open. Other individuals have been charged and are being actively sought at this time. The Haverhill Police Department is grateful to the ATF for recognizing the need to disrupt violent gun activity in the city, and committing significant resources that lead to the dozens of illegal firearm and narcotics arrests,” said Detective Captain Robert P. Pistone.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Daniel J. Kumor added, “ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and to keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders, which remains our top priority.”
Great work.