Haverhill Police and federal agents teamed up last Thursday in a high-profile operation that brought the arrests of two on charges ranging from illegal firearms to drugs trafficking.
According to a police release Tuesday, the raid on a Main Street apartment involved police and representatives of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Thirty-five-year-old Jason Ortiz was arrested on a federal warrant, charging illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He will also face charges of trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession of a Class C drug.
The same operation brought the arrest of 43-year-old Jeremy Gagalis on charges of trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession of a Class C drug. Gagalis’ name appeared on a Haverhill Police arrest log Monday, but noted only that he was arrested on a warrant and two drug possession charges.
“Both individuals were taken into custody safely and without incident,” police said in the statement.
Police thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, saying, “Operations like this highlight the importance of federal and local law enforcement working together to disrupt illegal firearms and narcotics activity, keeping the community safe.”