Man Faces Drug-Dealing, Gun Charges In Tewksbury: Police

TEWKSBURY, MA — A man is facing drug-dealing and gun charges following a police investigation.

Jan Paul Baerga-Mariani, 29, of Lawrence, was charged with trafficking in cocaine (200 grams or more), possession of a large capacity firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number in the commission of a felony, two counts of possession of a large capacity feeding device, possession of ammunition without a firearm ID card, possession of a class E substance, carrying a firearm without a license, and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

Baerga-Mariani was held as a fugitive from justice on three outstanding warrants from courts in Lowell and Lawrence.

He is also being held on a full extradition warrant for domestic violence out of a court in Puerto Rico.

Police said they found the following during a search:

• About 208 grams of a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine
• A vial containing more white powdery substance
• More than three dozen loose 9mm bullets
• 2 bill pottles containing prescription drugs not prescribed to Baerga-Mariani
• A 9mm handgun with the serial number removed, loaded with a full 13-round magazine
• A 10-round magazine containing five rounds
• A 15-round magazine containing eight rounds
• Multiple cell phones
• A quantity of cash in separate bundles
• A green plastic bag containing a blue pill

He was booked at the Tewksbury Police Department and is being held without bail. He was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Lowell District Court.

“This is a great example of solid detective work and interagency cooperation by our local drug task force. I am grateful for the hard work by all involved,” Chief Ryan Columbus said in a statement. “Special thanks to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and NEMLEC SWAT for their assistance.”