Joint investigation between Massachusetts law enforcement agencies leads to arrest, seizure of large quantity of Methamphetamine

A joint investigation into a large-scale methamphetamine distributor resulted in the execution of search warrants Friday at a Lawrence home and a North Andover driving school, the arrest of the target of the investigation, and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics.

MICHAEL LAROCQUE, 56, of Lawrence, was arrested at his home and booked at the State Police Barracks in Newbury on Friday, September 18, and arraigned in Lawrence District Court today before Judge Michael Uhlarik on two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine Over 200 Grams. LAROCQUE was held on $250,000 cash bail, ordered to surrender his passport, and ordered to remain substance free, and Judge Uhlarik set the next hearing in the case for October 19.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

The investigation was conducted by Troopers assigned to the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction and Enforcement Team’s North Unit, the Office of the Attorney General, the Massachusetts State Police Technical Services and Crime Scene Services Sections, Troopers from New Hampshire State Police, agents from federal Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Lawrence and North Andover Police.

The investigation was initiated approximately two months ago by information shared with MSP by NHSP and identified LAROCQUE was a high-volume methamphetamine distributor. The investigation included multiple controlled purchases of the drug from both LAROCQUE’s Colonial Road resident and the North Andover Auto School, 203 Turnpike St., which he owns.

Troopers, agents, and officers serving the warrants Friday morning made peaceful entry at both locations. At the residence, the investigative team located and seized approximately two pounds of methamphetamine, vials of an unknown liquid, and paraphernalia related to narcotics distribution. A search of a vehicle on the property resulted in the locating and seizure of an additional amount of methamphetamine. At the auto school, investigators located an additional 400 grams of methamphetamine, pills, and approximately $12,000 in US currency.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Caitlin McDermott of the AG’s Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division.