Salem Man Charged With Cocaine Trafficking On North Shore: Police

SALEM, MA — A Salem man was charged with cocaine trafficking and fentanyl distribution Thursday following a months-long investigation into a North Shore drug-dealing operation.

Ipswich police charged Jason Martinez, 40, of Salem, with one count of cocaine trafficking, one count of fentanyl distribution, three counts of cocaine distribution and three counts of violating drug laws.

Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas said Martinez was also found in possession of 5.5 grams of a substance that tested positive as fentanyl at the time of his arrest.

Police said a quantity of cash and material consistent with drug packaging was also found in the suspect's possession.

"I would like to commend all the involved officers and federal agents for their professionalism and determination during this two-month-long investigation," Nikas said. "Their coordinated efforts resulted in the arrest of a large-scale drug dealer operating in Ipswich and other area communities on the North Shore."

Ipswich said the two-month investigation included multiple local, regional and federal agencies.

Nikas said police from Arlington, Beverly, Boston, Gloucester, Medford, Peabody as well as the Massachusetts State Police assisted in the investigation.

"This arrest demonstrates the need for law enforcement to continue to be vigilant in every community, large or small, to protect our citizens from drug dealers who prey on people with substance abuse conditions," Nikas said.

Martinez was held on $50,000 cash bail and forced to surrender his passport. He was arraigned Thursday at Salem District Court.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Information for this article was supplied by the Ipswich Police Department. Patch follows a name removal policy for those listed in its published police reports.