By Alan Burke
Staff writer
---- — SALEM — Multiple drug charges were lodged against a Salem man following the execution of a search warrant on Essex Street yesterday afternoon.
Justin Smith, 24, of 21 Essex St., Apt 1-L, Salem, faces charges including possession of multiple drugs, including more than 36 grams of cocaine, methadone, marijuana and various pills, among other drugs, all with intent to distribute.
“It was a good amount of drugs,” said lead investigator Detective Kevin St. Pierre.
Smith, who was arrested previously on charges including burglary, offered no resistance, the detective said.
St. Pierre declined to say what prompted police to ask for a search warrant, explaining that such information will likely come out in court.
“We just got some information,” he said.
The search took place at Smith’s apartment at 6:37 p.m. and involved the participation of officers Charlene Sano, Dana Mazola and John Doyle; Sgt. Kristian Hanson; Detectives Peter Baglioni, Brian St. Pierre, Eric Connolly and Dennis Gaudet; and Capt. Thomas Griffin.
Police confirmed that an amount of drugs this large could do significant damage to the community and to individuals prone to drug abuse.
