SHREWSBURY — A Shrewsbury man is facing several charges connected with the distribution of crack cocaine in the area, according to police.
The Police Department recently conducted an investigation into a man distributing crack cocaine to several individuals in Shrewsbury and several locations throughout Worcester County. As a result of this investigation, three search warrants were issued and executed by Shrewsbury detectives over the course of several days.
According to police, On Jan. 27 at approximately 9:54 a.m., Shrewsbury Police detectives and officers executed a search warrant on a residential home at 23 Howe Ave., which included a warrant for a white 2008 Ford Explorer. Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect of the investigation sitting in the white Ford Explorer inside the garage of the home. The suspect was identified as Luke Warner.
During this search warrant, officers located 264 grams of crack cocaine. The threshold in Massachusetts for crack cocaine (Class B substance) to be considered trafficking is 18 grams or more; therefore this seizure constituted over 14 times the amount to qualify for trafficking.
In addition to the drugs, officers also seized $2,920 in cash, a scale and several items of drug paraphernalia. Warner was arrested on scene.
On Jan. 31, a second search warrant was conducted on a safety deposit box belonging to Warner at TD Bank, 200 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Officers seized $9,250 in cash, as well as a large amount of stolen jewelry from this search warrant.
On Feb. 5, a third search warrant was conducted on a storage unit belonging to Warner at Cube Smart, 757 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. This search led to the seizure of additional jewelry items suspected to be stolen.
All of the money which was seized in this investigation was seized under Massachusetts Statute MGL 94C/ Section 47, Forfeitures Under the Controlled Substance Act of 1971, which authorizes seizures of money which is directly associated with drug distribution.
Warner, 56, is charged with:
– Trafficking Cocaine (200 grams or more)
– Possession of Cocaine with intent to distribute
– Possession of a Class B substance (subsequent offense)
