SALEM —
Six local men, including the owner Bangkok Paradise, a downtown Salem restaurant and bar that has been a focal point for late-night trouble, were arrested yesterday after a long-term, multi-agency drug investigation.
Search and arrest warrants were executed at 10 locations throughout the North Shore early this morning, according to District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office. Arrests were made and drugs, a gun and cash were seized in Peabody, Salem, Danvers and Lynn.
Those arrested were:
1. Henry Hernandez, 36, of 32 Columbia Ave, Lynn, for trafficking oxycodone.
2. David Soucy, 35, of 7 Garden St., Danvers, for trafficking oxycodone.
3. Jesus Franco, 42, of 34 Perkins St., Salem, the owner of Bangkok Paradise, for trafficking oxycodone.
4. Joel Gonzalez, 32, of 44 Lawrence Road, Lynn, for sale of firearm.
5. Jason Gentry, 32, of 5 Station Road, Salem, for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
6. Celton Pelaez, 36, of 84 Aborn St., Peabody, for trafficking oxycodone.
During course of investigation, thousands of oxycodone pills were seized along with cash in excess of $50,000, the DA's office said.
The agencies involved were the Essex County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Drug Enforcement Agency (Worcester Tactical Diversion Squad) , Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Lynn, Salem, Saugus, Peabody and Danvers Police Departments.
Defendants are being arraigned today in Peabody and Salem District Courts.
