Massachusetts State Police get firearm, drugs off street; suspected drug dealer arrested

Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit Troopers, with assistance from MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section Troopers, members of the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, and a Springfield Police K9 team this morning arrested a Springfield man while seizing an illegally-possessed handgun and ammunition and various narcotics.

Troopers and Officers executed a search warrant at 64 Lionel Benoit Rd., Apt. B, in Springfieldbased on an MSP Gang Unit investigation into narcotics distribution from that address. The target of the investigation, TODD CRUZADO, 32, is an acquaintance of the apartment’s occupant.

In the bedroom, Troopers and Officers located and seized a Kel Tec 9mm handgun with a magazine containing several 9mm rounds, multiple baggies containing suspected marijuana, multiple suboxone strips, approximately 120 tablets believed to be Concerta and Adderall, and materials used to package drugs for sale.

In the kitchen Troopers and Officers located and seized hundreds of empty glassine baggies, each stamped with the numbers 413, consistent with materials used to package heroin. Also found in the kitchen was an electric grinder with suspected drug residue and $745 cash.

During a sniff of an Acura sport utility vehicle that CRUZADO had been observed driving, Springfield Police K9 Dex alerted to the scent of narcotics. During a subsequent search of the Acura, Troopers and Officers located approximately 80 glassine baggies stamped “Dunkin Donuts,” consistent in appearance and packaging to heroin, additional suspected marijuana, and a digital scale.

The investigation and an interview with CRUZADO established that the firearm and ammunition, narcotics, and paraphernalia belonged to him. CRUZADO was charged with the following offenses:

1. Possession of a firearm without a license to carry, subsequent offense;
2. Unlawful possession of ammunition;
3. Firearm violation by a person with two prior violent or drug crimes;
4. Possession of a Class A narcotic (heroin) with intent to distribute, subsequent offense;
5. Possession of a Class C narcotic with intent to distribute (Adderall/Concerta), subsequent offense;
6. Possession of a Class D narcotic (marijuana) with intent to distribute, subsequent offense;
7. Possession of a Class B narcotic (suboxone), subsequent offense;
8. Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony;
9. Improper storage of a firearm; and an
10. Outstanding warrant issued p of Springfield District Court.

Troopers transported CRUZADO to State Police-Springfield for booking. He was then transported to Springfield District Court for arraignment.