Joint investigation between Amherst and state police yields 2 suspects, handgun, cocaine and marijuana

One of the suspects is from Northampton and the other is from Chicopee.

Frankie Sanchez

AMHERST – Police arrested a Chicopee man and a Northampton man on drug charges Tuesday night in the parking lot at Riverside Apartments.

Lt. Ronald A. Young said the arrests follow a joint investigation with Massachusetts State Police.

The two men, in a vehicle that contained cocaine and marijuana that had been packaged for resale, were arrested about shortly after 6:20 p.m., Young said.

Also inside the vehicle was a .357 pistol and a large amount of cash, Young said.

Frankie Sanchez, 24, of 24 Crescent St., Chicopee, was charged with five counts of distribution of cocaine, violation of a drug-free school zone, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm without a license, and operating motor vehicle without a license.

Jose Rodriguez

Jose M. Rodriguez, 25, of 82 Bridge St., Apt. 6, Northampton, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

The two men are slated to be arraigned today in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown. Young said police continue to investigate.
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