Holyoke, Mass. – A property check by detectives in Holyoke led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of crack cocaine, heroin/fentanyl, and cash, according to the Holyoke Police Department.
Property Check Leads to Arrests
Around 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, detectives from the Holyoke Criminal Investigations/Narcotics Bureau were conducting a property check near 462 Maple Street when they noticed two individuals suspected of working together to sell drugs.
Officers identified the suspects as 41-year-old Anthony Broden of West Springfield and 24-year-old Angel Garcia-Sanchez of Chicopee. Detectives immediately recognized Broden, who had an outstanding warrant related to drug distribution and possession charges.
Attempted Escape and Arrest
When officers approached, Broden was detained without incident. However, Garcia-Sanchez fled on foot, prompting a brief chase. Detectives quickly apprehended him a short time later.
Upon searching the suspects, police discovered crack cocaine and heroin/fentanyl, along with $366 in cash found on Garcia-Sanchez.
According to the reports from WWLP, investigators seized approximately 132 vials of crack cocaine and 70 bags of heroin/fentanyl.
Charges Filed Against Both Suspects
Both men face multiple drug-related charges following the Thursday night bust.
Anthony Broden, 41, of West Springfield, is charged with:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
- Possession of a Class A Drug
- Possession of a Class B Drug
- Trespassing
- Arrest Warrant
Angel Garcia-Sanchez, 24, of Chicopee, is charged with:
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
- Possession of a Class A Drug
- Possession of a Class B Drug
- Trespassing
- Disorderly Conduct
Police Praise Swift Action
Authorities said the quick actions of the Holyoke Narcotics Bureau helped prevent more illegal drugs from circulating through the community.
The department emphasized that ongoing narcotics patrols and property checks are part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking in the Holyoke area.
“This arrest shows the commitment of our detectives to keeping the streets of Holyoke safe,” a department spokesperson said. “Every vial and bag seized means fewer dangerous substances reaching our residents.”
Community Impact
The arrests highlight the persistent issue of drug activity in parts of Holyoke, where police say property checks and surveillance have been instrumental in identifying repeat offenders and curbing the local flow of heroin and fentanyl.
The case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed as police review evidence from the scene.
Do you believe increased property checks help reduce drug activity in local neighborhoods? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
