Suspected Mass and Cass drug dealer arrested for trafficking 17 bags of fentanyl, police say

BOSTON — A Boston man is facing drug trafficking charges after circling the Mass and Cass area in a suspicious manner, according to police.

33-year-old Jose Soto is charged with trafficking between 14 and 27 grams of Class A Drugs (Fentanyl).

Police say they received several complaints of drug-related activity in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard (Mass and Cass), leading to an increase in officers in the area.

While trying to curb narcotics activity, officers saw Soto circling the area in “a manner that raised suspicion” before pulling over and partially parking on East Lennox Street, according to authorities.

Investigators say Soto stayed in his car while frequently checking his phone, appearing to look around in all directions as if he were expecting someone.

An unidentified man approached the car a short time later and allegedly completed a hand-to-hand drug deal with Soto.

Officers coordinated with additional units and followed Soto’s car, eventually pulling him over on Montrose Street.

During the stop, police say 17 small plastic bags of fentanyl was found inside a large plastic bag in Soto’s car, along with an undisclosed amount of money. He was taken into custody shortly thereafter.

Soto will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court.

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