An illegal immigrant in Massachusetts is facing drug and firearm trafficking charges after he was taken into custody following a bust that found him possessing an AR-15 rifle and kilograms of drugs, including fentanyl, authorities said.
Dominican national Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, 28, was arrested on Dec. 27 following the bust at a state-run emergency family shelter in Revere that led to the discovery of the illegal immigrant at a Quality Inn, according to a report.
Authorities discovered Andujar Sanchez had at least five kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine packaged for sale along with the AR-15 rifle and large-capacity magazines, the report noted.
The estimated street value of the drugs in Andujar Sanchez’s possession is upwards of $750,000.
“This individual was preying upon vulnerable people while threatening the safety and well-being of our entire community,” according to Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe Jr. “The City of Revere and the Revere Police Department will continue to uphold the laws of the Commonwealth and work to protect every person that calls Revere home.”
Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston assisted the Revere Police Department in identifying the illegal immigrant, and it was determined he had unlawfully entered the United States in the past year through an unknown location, according to ICE.
“Mr. Andujar has been accused of serious crimes, and ERO Boston takes its public safety mission very seriously — which is why we’ve lodged an immigration detainer against him with Revere police,” ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde.
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“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has charged him with possessing dangerous weapons and drug trafficking, and with the Revere Police Department’s cooperation, we intend to take him into ICE custody upon his release.”
ICE has lodged an immigration detainer against Andujar Sanchez, and the illegal immigrant is due back in court for hearing on 11 felony charges next month.
