Chelsea, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Ramon Vega, a 74-year-old resident of Chelsea, was arrested following a police raid outside a Dunkin’ Donuts. He faces multiple drug distribution charges after significant evidence was found in his vehicle and home, including various prescription medications and substantial cash. Police Chief Keith Houghton emphasized the department’s ongoing commitment to combat narcotics distribution in the community. This case highlights efforts to increase public safety and reduce illegal drug activity in Chelsea.
Chelsea
A 74-year-old resident of Chelsea, Ramon Vega, was arrested and faces multiple charges related to narcotics distribution. The arrest followed a police raid on a vehicle outside a Dunkin’ Donuts on Everett Avenue, and subsequent searches at a home on 17 Irving Street yielded additional evidence, according to police reports.
What happened
The arrest occurred following a police raid on Vega’s vehicle outside a Dunkin’ Donuts on Everett Avenue. Chelsea Police had been investigating Vega for several months on suspicion of narcotics dealing. Law enforcement officers detained Vega and conducted a search of the vehicle during the stop.
Charges and arraignment
Vega was arraigned at Chelsea District Court on three counts of possession with intent to distribute drugs:
- Oxycodone (a Class B controlled substance)
- Clonazepam (a Class C controlled substance)
- Gabapentin (a Class E controlled substance)
Evidence recovered
During the vehicle stop, police discovered several containers of the prescription medications and $966 believed to be proceeds from drug sales. Following the vehicle search, police executed a search at Vega’s home located at 17 Irving Street. At his home, police recovered an additional 94 Oxycodone pills and nearly $6,000 in cash.
Police response and community context
Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton expressed the department’s commitment to combat drug distribution in the community. The department described this arrest as the result of months of investigation and coordination to remove alleged illegal narcotics activity from public areas.
Related police activity in the region
The Boston Police Department reported 258 incidents over 24 hours, including one robbery and nine aggravated assaults. Local law enforcement activity and reporting show multiple incidents being processed across neighboring jurisdictions during the same reporting period.
Other recent defendants and alleged offenses
A list of other defendants charged in recent incidents includes:
- Marie Jean: Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
- Karen Martinez Benitez: Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
- Kyle Jones: Shoplifting over $100
- Jamal Pierre: Cruelty to animals
- Noah Wright: Distribution of Class B drugs
- Several others charged with drug distribution, shoplifting, reckless operation of a vehicle, and assault
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The charges listed are allegations that will be resolved through the criminal justice process.
What comes next
Following arraignment, the case will proceed through pretrial steps which may include bail hearings, discovery, and possible pretrial motions. The court will determine how the case moves forward based on evidence, legal filings and scheduling. Criminal defendants retain the right to legal counsel and a trial.
Why this matters
Police officials emphasize that arrests tied to alleged drug distribution are intended to address public safety concerns and reduce illegal drug availability in the community. The seizure of controlled substances and cash in this case was presented by law enforcement as evidence supporting the distribution charges filed in court.
Contact and public safety information
Residents with concerns about public safety or who have information related to narcotics activity are generally advised to contact local law enforcement through established non-emergency lines or community tip programs. For immediate emergencies, residents should call local emergency services.
FAQ
- Who was arrested?
- A 74-year-old resident of Chelsea, Ramon Vega, was arrested and faces multiple charges related to narcotics distribution.
- Where did the vehicle raid occur?
- The arrest occurred following a police raid on Vega’s vehicle outside a Dunkin’ Donuts on Everett Avenue.
- How long had police been investigating?
- Chelsea Police had been investigating Vega for several months on suspicion of narcotics dealing.
- What charges were filed at arraignment?
- Vega was arraigned at Chelsea District Court on three counts of possession with intent to distribute drugs:
- Oxycodone (a Class B controlled substance)
- Clonazepam (a Class C controlled substance)
- Gabapentin (a Class E controlled substance)
- What was found during the vehicle stop?
- During the vehicle stop, police discovered several containers of the prescription medications and $966 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
- Was a home search conducted?
- Following the vehicle search, police executed a search at Vega’s home located at 17 Irving Street.
- What additional evidence was recovered at the home?
- At his home, police recovered an additional 94 Oxycodone pills and nearly $6,000 in cash.
- What did the Chelsea Police Chief say?
- Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton expressed the department’s commitment to combat drug distribution in the community.
- Were there other incidents reported nearby?
- The Boston Police Department reported 258 incidents over 24 hours, including one robbery and nine aggravated assaults.
- Who are some other defendants charged recently?
- A list of other defendants charged in recent incidents includes:
- Marie Jean: Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
- Karen Martinez Benitez: Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
- Kyle Jones: Shoplifting over $100
- Jamal Pierre: Cruelty to animals
- Noah Wright: Distribution of Class B drugs
- Several others charged with drug distribution, shoplifting, reckless operation of a vehicle, and assault
- What is the legal presumption for defendants?
- All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Quick reference table
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrestee | Ramon Vega, 74-year-old resident of Chelsea |
| Initial location | Vehicle outside a Dunkin’ Donuts on Everett Avenue |
| Vehicle evidence | Several containers of prescription medications; $966 believed to be proceeds from drug sales |
| Home search | 17 Irving Street — Additional 94 Oxycodone pills and nearly $6,000 in cash |
| Arraignment charges | Possession with intent to distribute: Oxycodone (a Class B controlled substance); Clonazepam (a Class C controlled substance); Gabapentin (a Class E controlled substance) |
| Regional incidents reported | Boston Police Department reported 258 incidents over 24 hours, including one robbery and nine aggravated assaults |
| Other named defendants | Marie Jean; Karen Martinez Benitez; Kyle Jones; Jamal Pierre; Noah Wright; several others |
| Legal note | All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: Chelsea Man Arrested for Narcotics Charges
- Wikipedia: Narcotics
- Anchorage Daily News: Feds Seize Hotel After High-Profile Raid
- Google Search: Narcotics Distribution
- Patch: K9 Assists in Drug Trafficking Bust
- Google Scholar: Drug Enforcement
- NBC Boston: Drug Arrests in Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
