Springfield, MA — A months-long investigation into persistent drug dealing near Federal Street and Worthington Street has resulted in the arrest of six individuals, multiple drug seizures, and the recovery of three illegal firearms, according to the Springfield Police Department.
Community Complaints Spark Undercover Investigation
For several months, the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) had been monitoring drug activity in the busy corridor after receiving complaints from residents and local businesses. Detectives launched targeted surveillance in the neighborhoods surrounding Federal Street and Worthington Street — ultimately leading to three major enforcement actions in October and November.
October 2: Arrest of Arnaldo Vega
The first breakthrough occurred on October 2, around 11:30 a.m., when investigators arrested 38-year-old Arnaldo Vega on the 800 block of Worthington Street. Vega, who had already been under surveillance, was stopped by detectives after parking on Worthington Street.
Police say a search of the vehicle revealed:
- 11.5 grams of crack cocaine in a bag
- 48 baggies of crack cocaine
- Another 1.5 grams of crack cocaine
- 20 packets of fentanyl
- $4,793 in cash
Detectives then obtained a search warrant for Vega’s nearby storage unit. Inside, they found:
- 25 bags of fentanyl/heroin
- Roughly 75.2 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine
- Loose ammunition
Police noted that Vega has four prior drug distribution convictions.
October 9: Four Suspects Caught During Surveillance Operation
A week later, on October 9 at 6:30 p.m., FIU detectives conducted a second operation on Federal Street. Four suspects — 27-year-old Kenneth Watson, 24-year-old Gian Toledo, 26-year-old Kevin Torres-Serrano, and 30-year-old Valeria Pelliciar — were approached by detectives during surveillance.
Watson and Toledo attempted to flee and tried climbing a wall, but both fell and were taken into custody soon after. Torres-Serrano and Pelliciar were detained at the scene.
Detectives seized:
- 21 grams of crack cocaine
- 159 bags of heroin/fentanyl
- More than $500 in cash
November 19: Suspected Street Deal Leads to Firearm Discovery
On November 19, FIU detectives were once again in the Federal–Worthington Street area when they witnessed 29-year-old Luis Vazquez-Heredia engaging in what appeared to be a drug transaction on the 100 block of Armory Street.
A traffic stop on the 800 block of Worthington Street resulted in the discovery of cocaine and a firearm inside the vehicle. Vazquez-Heredia was arrested immediately.
Total items seized across all three operations:
- Three illegal firearms (two loaded)
- Over 37 grams of cocaine
- One bag of heroin
- More than $1,100 in cash
Charges Filed Against Six Suspects
29-year-old Luis Vazquez-Heredia (Springfield)
- Trafficking Cocaine 18–36 Grams
- Possession w/ Intent to Distribute Class B Drug
- Possession w/ Intent to Distribute Class A Drug
- Carrying a Firearm Without a License (3 counts)
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm Without a License (2 counts)
- Possession of a Firearm During a Felony (3 counts)
- Operating With a Suspended License
- Motor Vehicle Lights Violation
38-year-old Arnaldo Vega (Springfield)
- Cocaine Trafficking 36–100 Grams
- PWID Class A Drug – Subsequent Offense
- Possession of Ammunition Without FID
- PWID Class B Drug – Subsequent Offense
27-year-old Kenneth Watson (Springfield)
- Cocaine Trafficking 18–36 Grams
- PWID Class A Drug
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
- Resisting Arrest
26-year-old Kevin Torres-Serrano (Springfield)
- Cocaine Trafficking 18–36 Grams
- PWID Class A Drug
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
30-year-old Valeria Pelliciar (Holyoke)
- Cocaine Trafficking 18–36 Grams
- PWID Class A Drug
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
24-year-old Gian Toledo (Agawam)
- Cocaine Trafficking 18–36 Grams
- PWID Class A Drug
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
- Resisting Arrest
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Drug Activity
Police say the targeted enforcement will continue, noting that the concentration of drug activity in the Federal–Worthington corridor remains a top concern for both law enforcement and the surrounding community.
