A Swampscott man was arrested and charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of fentanyl. 

Luis Alfredo Mercedes was arrested by the Lynn Police Department on Monday, June 9, according to a Facebook post by the Everett Police Department. Officers seized approximately 1,500 grams of fentanyl and $1,500 in cash.

The operation, which was led by the Everett Police Special Criminal Investigation Unit, involved several court-authorized search warrants executed in both Lynn and Swampscott. 

“I would like to commend all the departments that assisted in this investigation,” Everett Chief Paul Strong wrote in the post. “This was another example of teamwork between departments and it also demonstrates the commitment and dedication of these departments to rid the streets of dangerous drugs.”

The arrest was made on Monday as part of broader investigation targeting fentanyl distribution in the Boston area. 

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, opioid-related overdose deaths increased by 12% in the area from 2022-23, despite a 10% decrease statewide. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug, plays a major role.

The Boston Public Health Commission’s 2024 substance use and disorders report found that since 2017, drug overdose deaths have increased throughout the city. A lack of awareness that fentanyl is in the cocaine supply is one of the leading factors. 

Drug overdose mortality associated with the use of fentanyl in combination with cocaine increased from 6.6 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2017 to 16.9 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2022. Cocaine was present in over half of all overdose-related deaths associated with fentanyl in 2022. 

“The increase in drug overdose deaths in Boston, particularly among Black and Latinx residents, emphasizes the urgent need for interventions across the city in overdose prevention and substance use treatment,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission.