Northampton Man Rafael Aviles Arrested in Springfield Drug and Firearm Raid
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A 44-year-old Northampton man, Rafael Aviles, was arrested Tuesday morning following a months-long investigation into illegal drug activity on Belmont Avenue in Springfield.
The Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit, responding to ongoing community complaints, executed a search warrant at an apartment on Belmont Ave around 7:15 a.m. Aviles was found inside and detained during the search.
Officers recovered:
22 grams of powder and crack cocaine
15 bags of heroin
A loaded firearm
Loose ammunition
Approximately $2,000 in cash
Aviles, a convicted felon, now faces a series of serious charges including:
Carrying a Firearm without a License
Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Firearm Violation with 3 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes
Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony (2 counts)
Improper Storage of a Firearm
Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card
Trafficking Cocaine (18–36 grams)
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug – Subsequent Offense
Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Authorities say the arrest is part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal firearm and narcotics activity in Springfield neighborhoods.
