Troopers Arrest Man Trafficking Heroin, Cocaine

Shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday August 27, Trooper Matthew DeVito, assigned to the Troop A Community Action Team, was patrolling Route 110 in Methuen. At that time, he observed a black Chevrolet Silverado pass his cruiser being operated erratically. Trooper DeVito followed the truck on to Route 495 and, while doing so, observed the vehicle nearly cause a collision. Trooper DeVito activated his blue lights and stopped the truck.

Upon the vehicle coming to a full stop, Trooper DeVito approached it and identified the operator as NICHOLAS DRAYTON, 43, of Manchester, Maine. While speaking to DRAYTON, Trooper DeVito noticed inconsistencies in his story and observed signs consistent with recent use of illegal narcotics. After a short investigation on scene, DRAYTON was asked to step out of his vehicle. While doing so, Trooper DeVito observed a small amount of narcotics, later found to be Heroin. After seizing the narcotics, Troopers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a large plastic bag containing Crack Cocaine, along with numerous smaller bags containing Heroin. In total, Troopers located approximately 85 grams of suspected Heroin and 70 grams of suspected Crack Cocaine.

DRAYTON was placed under arrest and transported to the Newbury Barracks for booking. DRAYTON was scheduled for arraignment at Haverhill District Court on the following charges:

1. Trafficking Fentanyl/Heroin;

2. Trafficking Cocaine;

3. Marked Lanes Violation; and

4. Hands Free Violation.

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