Two men were arrested and charged with drug distribution offenses following an investigation by the Tewksbury Police Department, Chief Ryan Columbus reported.
Joseph Poaletta, 33, of Lowell, has been charged with conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession with intent to distribute a Class B narcotic.
Ra King Santiago, 19, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was charged with distribution of a Class B drug, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and possession with the purpose to distribute a Class B narcotic.
On Saturday, May 10, at about 2:35 p.m., the Tewksbury Police Narcotics Unit was monitoring the neighborhood of 95 Main St. when they noticed what seemed to be a drug transaction between the driver of a gray Jeep Liberty and another suspect.
A preliminary investigation led to the identification of Santiago, who was apprehended without incident.
It was discovered that Santiago and Poaletta were staying in the same area.
During a later inquiry, officers discovered that Poaletta had two outstanding arrest warrants from Lowell.
Officers executed a search warrant at Santiago and Paoletta’s residence, discovering a minor amount of cocaine.
Poaletta was also apprehended without incident.
Poaletta and Santiago were set to appear in Lowell District Court on Monday, May 12.
