Arrest Of Alleged Drug Kingpin Should Dent Cocaine Supply In Region

Area police chiefs say that the arrest of a local drug kingpin and the seizure of more than 100 pounds of cocaine will put a serious dent in local drug trafficking, at least for the time being.

Jose Martinez, 51, of Andover, is being held on $5 million cash bail after allegedly being arrested with cocaine in his car that carried a street value of more than $2 million.

State and federal law enforcement officials had been investigating Martinez for three months and say he was distributing the drug to dealers throughout the Merrimack Valley.

According to Wilmington Police Chief Michael Begonis, the arrest of Martinez and the seizure of the drugs should put a crimp, albeit temporarily, in the local drug supply pipeline.

"It definitely has an impact. That's a lot of cocaine," said Begonis. "And that's now one individual who's not going to be involved in the process."

Tewksbury Police Chief Timothy Sheehan said he was thankful for the work done by multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.

"We believe some of the product (cocaine) intercepted during the investigation was headed to the local area so we would expect it to impact the cocaine distribution business in this area to some degree," said Sheehan. "We are grateful for the solid police work done on this investigation. Every little bit helps."

Martinez is due back in court on May 6 for a probably cause hearing, at which time it will be decided whether he will go before a grand jury.