Multi-unit bust in Springfield yields firearms, heroin, and crack cocaine

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A multi-agency investigation by Springfield police led to the recovery of an illegal firearm, heroin, crack cocaine, and several arrests on Friday, November 1.

Following a weeks-long probe into suspected drug trafficking and firearm possession in the city, the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) conducted a coordinated operation to address ongoing drug sales from an apartment on Winter Street.

The bust resulted in five arrests and the seizure of weapons and drugs.

According to police, detectives had been surveilling the Winter Street location due to suspicions of crack cocaine sales and illegal firearm possession. On November 1, at approximately 12:50 p.m., officers executed a search warrant and conducted surveillance in the area. Officers observed Alexander Rivera, one of the investigation's targets, meeting with a suspected buyer and bringing him into the apartment. Shortly after, another target, Timothy Ortiz, was seen leaving the building carrying what officers suspected was a firearm. Ortiz, accompanied by Xiomara Vazquez-Alicea, got into a car and drove away.

Police performed a traffic stop near Armory and Carew Streets. During the stop, they seized 14 bags of heroin, approximately 6.8 grams of crack cocaine from Ortiz, and a loaded firearm from inside the vehicle. Both Ortiz and Vazquez-Alicea were subsequently arrested.

Following the arrests, detectives executed a search warrant on the Winter Street apartment. Officers detained Taveon Awosika on the second-floor porch, Gregory Daviau on the third floor, and Rivera on the fourth-floor porch. The apartment search yielded significant contraband, including a 5.56 AR upper receiver, over 240 bags of heroin, approximately 15.3 grams of crack cocaine, 25 rounds of ammunition, and more than $600 in cash.

Each of the five suspects faces multiple charges:

Timothy Ortiz, 29, of Springfield:

Carrying a Firearm without a License

Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License (2nd Offense)

Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony

Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Firearm Violation with Three Prior Violent/Drug Crimes

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug (Subsequent Offense)

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (Subsequent Offense)

Alexander Rivera, 53, of Springfield:

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug

Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card

Xiomara Vazquez-Alicea, 28, of Springfield:

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug

Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony

Taveon Awosika, 18, of Springfield:

Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug

Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug

Gregory Daviau, 32, of South Hadley:

Possession of a Class A Drug

Possession of a Class B Drug

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