BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — Two men were arrested Wednesday afternoon on charges of heroin trafficking, following a joint investigation by Lynn and state police, Lynn Police Lt. Glenn Dunnigan said.
James Giacalone, 47, of 20 Beacon Hill Ave., was arrested and charged with heroin trafficking over 28 grams and possession to distribute a Class B drug (cocaine) at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday.
Juan Soto, 38, of 186 East Main St., Bridgeport, Conn., was arrested and charged with heroin trafficking over 28 grams and disguise to obstruct justice at 12:33 p.m. Wednesday.
State police information indicated that there were possible drugs being sold out of the second floor of 20 Beacon Hill Ave., Apt. 2. Information indicated that Giacalone had been dealing heroin out of the apartment and was receiving deliveries of the drug in the morning by an Hispanic male. Following surveillance, where police witnessed what they believed to be a drug transaction, the male was identified as Soto, Dunnigan said.
After obtaining a search warrant, police recovered a large amount of heroin and cocaine, cash, several packaging materials, phones and scales, Dunnigan said.
Soto, a three-time deported felon, gave a false name to police, and was later identified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Giacalone also had prior warrants out for his arrest, according to Dunnigan.
The investigation was conducted by the newly established Lynn Police Warrant Squad in conjunction with the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at gcawley@itemlive.com. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.