Lynner faces drug trafficking charges

LYNN – The alleged leader of a drug distribution network in Essex County, who was arrested and arraigned on charges of cocaine trafficking; and possession of oxycodone and heroin in Lynn District Court, was held on $5,000 cash bail Friday afternoon.According to Emalie Gainey, spokeswoman for Attorney General Maura Healey, Calvin L. Harris, 42, of 80 Sagamore St., Apt. 105, was arrested Thursday at 5:31 p.m. in Lynn by State Police assigned to the AG?s office and the Lynn Police. He was charged with trafficking in cocaine more than 18 grams but less than 36 grams; possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (oxycodone); and possession with intent to distribute heroin.Harris pleaded not guilty to the charges and bail was set at $5,000 cash. He is ordered to return to court July 23 at 9 a.m. for a probable cause hearing.Authorities executed a search warrant at Harris? Lynn residence Wednesday and seized crack cocaine, oxycodone pills (10, 20 and 30 mg), and heroin, as well as cash and a drug scale, according to Judge Ellen Flatley. Flatley said they also found drug paraphernalia and a police scanner.Flatley said the investigation is ongoing, but Harris will face a mandatory prison term of not less than two years but not more than 15 years for each charge.Authorities allege that Harris is the leader of an extensive drug distribution network in Essex County that obtains and sells these drugs.Sgt. Joseph Ross, of the State Police, said since Harris was likely to flee to avoid imprisonment, he was held for court when placed into custody.The AG?s Office discovered Harris? alleged illegal activities through their 2013 investigation into Vincent Leo, who earlier this month was sentenced to four-and-a-half to five years in state prison in connection with a prescription fraud scheme to obtain and sell thousands of oxycodone pills.?The heroin and prescription drug crisis is devastating communities and families across the Commonwealth,” Healey said. “Our office is dedicated to combatting this epidemic on all fronts, including going after those who put these deadly drugs on our streets.”A recent report from the Department of Public Health estimates that more than 1,000 people died from overdoses of heroin and opioids in 2014 in Massachusetts – a 33 percent increase from 2012.Healey aims to use a multi-faceted approach to educate prescribers, pursue illegal drug traffickers/pill mills, and expand access to recovery and treatment programs.