A Lawrence man is facing drug trafficking charges after Haverhill Police’s gang and narcotics units seized fentanyl, cocaine and cash during a suspected drug deal early Wednesday afternoon.
The two police units were watching Westgate Shopping Plaza around 12;30 p.m. when a suspected drug transaction took place. According to a statement, police seized 178 grams of fentanyl, worth more than $7,000; 168 grams of cocaine with a street value of $6,750; and $2,658 in cash.
Ruben Lara-Ramirez, 36, was charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws, fentanyl trafficking and cocaine trafficking. He was driving a Dodge Caravan with Massachusetts livery plates. Ramirez was held without bail and is expected to be arraigned in Haverhill District Court Thursday.
Police said, two Manchester, N.H., women were the intended drug buyers. They are also expected to be charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws and will be summonsed to court.