September 24, 2007  Lynn, Massachusetts
Essex County Drug Task Force seizes 5 kilograms of cocaine

On Monday, September 24, 2007, at approximately 4:00 P.M., detectives assigned to the Essex County Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance in the area of the Highlands. The Essex County Drug Task Force consists of Lynn and State Police narcotics investigators. As part of an ongoing investigation, they were attempting to locate an individual who had outstanding warrants.

A warrant had been issued from Lynn District Court for the arrest of Emmanuel Hernandez, age 24, of 2 Park Street in Salem, for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges stemmed from an incident on Laighton Street on Saturday, September 22, 2007. At that time, Lynn Police responded to a disturbance, and a report of a person with a handgun. The subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of a firearm from inside a parked vehicle, supposedly registered to Hernandez. No arrests were made.

Today, detectives assigned to the (ECDT) observed the suspect Hernandez enter into a motor vehicle, with two other occupants. They radioed their position, and followed. Several marked units quickly responded, and were able to stop the vehicle on Washington Street. Due to the seriousness of the charges, a felony motor vehicle stop was conducted. During which, five kilos of cocaine were recovered. The estimated street value of the cocaine is worth over $500,000 dollars. At this time the following individuals are being processed at the Lynn Police Department:

1. Emmanuel Hernandez, age 24, of 2 Park Street, Salem MA

Trafficking class B cocaine over 200 grams

Conspiracy to violate the drug laws

Lynn District Court Warrant

Poss class B

Possession of a firearm without FID

Possession of ammo without FID

Leaving a firearm inside a vehicle

2. Francisco Carmona, age 41, of 604 Essex Street, Lynn MA

Trafficking class B cocaine over 200 grams

Conspiracy to violate the drug laws

3. Franklin Coplin, age 30, of 20 Neptune BLVD, Lynn MA

Trafficking class B cocaine over 200 grams

Conspiracy to violate the drug law
Source: Lynn Police