Task Force Breaks Up Drug Ring

Members of the Berkshire County Drug Task Force executed more than a dozen search warrants this morning in Pittsfield, Richmond and Adams, according to a press release from the DA's office.

Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless said eight people were arrested in the culmination of the first phase of a large-scale, ongoing investigation. He said additional warrants and arrests are expected. According to Capeless, investigators have seized more than 150 grams of cocaine, more than 25 pounds of high-grade marijuana, more than 100 Oxycontin pills, methadone tablets, one .380-caliber handgun and $50,000 in cash.
 
Arrested in Pittsfield were Richard Carnevale Jr., Shane Whalen, Frank LeClair and David LaPlante; Richard Cargill and Katie Lynn Powers were arrested in Richmond; and Michael King and Tracy Gagne were arrested in Adams. All will be arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court in Pittsfield.
 
"This is a significant drug-dealing ring, and we will continue to work until we have snared every person involved," said Capeless in a statement. "I commend the officers of the Task Force for another job well done, and wish them continued success in bringing this investigation to a just conclusion."

The investigation is being conducted by the task force, including investigators from the state police assigned to the district attorney's office, members of the Pittsfield, Adams, North Adams, Dalton, Lee, Lenox, Williamstown, Lanesborough, Great Barrington and Stockbridge police departments, federal investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and state troopers assigned to the Lee and Cheshire barracks.