Defective headlight leads to Massachusetts State Police arresting 5 on several drug distribution charges

5 were arrested on Monday on several drug distribution charges that included fentanyl.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at 2 a.m. on December 22, Trooper Jeff Caparell, a recent graduate of the 86th Recruit Training Troop, and his Field Training Officer, Trooper Ryan Crumbaker, assigned to State Police-Milton, were patrolling Morton Street in Boston. At that time, they observed a red Honda Civic with a defective headlight. The Troopers activated the cruiser’s blue lights and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle.

Upon the Honda coming to a full stop the Troopers identified five occupants seated inside. While walking up to the vehicle, the Troopers observed two of the passengers ducking and reaching under a seat. Trooper Crumbaker also observed a large bag containing a substance suspected to be marijuana. Trooper Caparell attempted to remove the occupants but was met with hostility and refusal to cooperate. Several Boston Police Officers arrived on scene to assist.

All occupants were then removed from the vehicle in order to conduct a pat frisk for weapons. While doing so, Trooper Crumbaker observed a small plastic bag containing approximately nine pills suspected to be Xanax. Troopers then discovered a bag containing a large amount of US currency. Troopers eventually discovered a large baggie containing substances suspected to be crack cocaine and fentanyl on the person of one of the passengers, identified as Gerard Divenuti, 23, of Winthrop. Additionally, a second passenger, identified as Dana McCollum, 21, of Roxbury, had an active warrant for his arrest. The total amount of narcotics seized was approximately 24 grams of fentanyl and 51 grams of crack cocaine. Troopers also seized the marijuana found earlier in the vehicle, which weighed approximately seven ounces.

Both Divenuti and McCollum were transported to State Police-Milton upon their arrest. They were ordered to be held without bail pending their appearance at Dorchester District Court.

McCollum was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.

Divenuti was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute-subsequent offense, Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.

The remaining three occupants were issued a criminal summons to appear at Dorchester District Court on the charges of Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.