Countywide Drug Raids Executed Friday

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Law enforcement breaks down a door on Howland Avenue in this screenshot from a Facebook video.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Berkshire District Attorney's Office confirmed countywide drug raids were executed on Friday. 
 
At least three occurred in North County — on Quaker Street and Howland Avenue in Adams and on Beaver Street in North Adams. 
 
Julia Sabourin, spokesperson for the DA's office said, the office "in conjunction with multiple local and state law enforcement agencies executed a countywide operation to interrupt a large-scale narcotics trafficking ring." 
 
The operation was the culmination of a multimonth-long investigation overseen by the DA's office and both narcotics and illegal firearms were sized during the operation.
 
Social media had been buzzing that the numerous vehicles parked in Cheshire in the morning were from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including at least one that was prominently lettered "State Police."
 
One resident posted a video showing law enforcement in camouflage busting down a door at 76-78 Howland Ave. and later a photo of people arrested outside the residence. 
 
Defendants arrested in connection with the operation will be arraigned in both Central and Northern District Court on Monday, Feb. 10, according to the DA's Office. 
 
The district attorney will hold a press conference on Monday detailing Friday's actions. 
 
Law enforcement agencies involved in Friday, Feb. 7, operation. 
  • Berkshire District Attorney's Office
  • Berkshire State Police Detective Unit
  • Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force
  • Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office 
  • State Police Crime Scene Services
  • State Police Special Tactical Operations Team  
  • Pittsfield Police Department 
  • North Adams Police Department 
  • Adams Police Department 
  • Franklin/Hampshire County Law Enforcement Task Force
  • Berkshire County Special Response Team
  • Lowell Police Department
  • Attorney General's Office, State Police
  • Middlesex State Police Detective Unit

Tags: drug trafficking,   

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North Adams School Committee Votes to Promote Callahan as Superintendent

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Timothy Callahan is interviewed by the School Committee at City Hall on Thursday. He was the sole candidate put forward for superintendent.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Committee on Thursday unanimously selected Timothy Callahan to lead the North Adams Public Schools. 
 
Callahan, currently assistant superintendent, will replace Barbara Malkas on her retirement at the end of the school year. 
 
His appointment, pending contract negotiations, came after a public interview by the School Committee at City Hall during which he was asked 20 questions, a number of which were from or informed by community input. 
 
They ranged from academics to security to federal funding to equity to bullying to community involvement. Callahan easily expounded upon his experiences and vision for the school district for more than 90 minutes. 
 
He laughed at the end when Mayor Jennifer Macksey asked if he would to make a closing statement in "five minutes or less."
 
"As you can tell, I can talk about this stuff all night," he said. "I really love what I do."
 
The former Drury High principal was the only candidate put forward out of 13 applications. 
 
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