Burlington Police Charge Two With Drug-Related Offenses

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington police charged two men with drug-related offenses Friday, Chief Michael Kent said Tuesday.

Police charged Tuan Dang, 32, of Pelham, N.H., and Daren Lewis, 39, of Quincy, with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Class D Substance with Intent to Distribute (Marijuana)
• Distribution of Class D Substance (Marijuana)
• Conspiracy
• Money Laundering

Police responded to a tip of suspicious activity, Kent said. Around noon on Friday, Burlington police detectives conducting surveillance around Old Concord Road saw two men meet in a parking lot. Detectives believed the men, later identified as Dang and Lewis, were conducting a drug transaction.

Detective approached Dang and Lewis and began investigating. With the help of Middlesex Sheriff's Officer John Pimentel and a police dog, Pepples, they found over 20 pounds of marijuana and over $500,000 in cash. The marijuana was packaged for distribution.

The marijuana has an estimated street value of $80,000 to $100,000, according to the department news release.

Dang and Lewis were issued a summons to appear in Woburn District Court for arraignment at a later date. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.