News Releases

A ton of marijuana seized, two men charged

WORCESTER, Mass. - More than a ton of marijuana was seized and two men were arrested yesterday after a multi-agency investigation, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

Adam Frantz, 28, of 811 Chase Road, Lunenburg, was charged with Trafficking in a Class D Controlled Substance (approximately 2225 pounds); School Zone Violation; and Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substance Law. He pled not guilty today in Worcester Central District. He was ordered held on $100,000 bail by Judge Bethzaida Vega. He is expected back in court on Dec. 3.

Ryan Gravlin, 28, of the same address, was charged with Trafficking in a Class D Controlled Substance (approximately 2225 pounds); Conspiracy to Violate Controlled Substance Law; and Possession of a Firearm. He pled not guilty today in Fitchburg District Court. He was order held on $50,000 bail by Judge Elliott L. Zide. He is expected back in court on Nov. 16.

"This is law enforcement at its best," Early said. "A lot of hard work and cooperation went into this effort. We're focused on using all available resources to keep our communities safe."

"Keeping drugs off the streets is one of the most important missions of law enforcement since drug smuggling and the resulting damage from drug abuse tears at the very fabric of our communities," said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston.

The investigation began Wednesday when an individual was encountered driving a tractor trailer truck at the Lewiston Bridge, in Lewiston, N.Y. The load was inspected and found to contain approximately 225 pounds of marijuana amongst a cover load of televisions and woven fabric.

The load of marijuana was then driven in the company of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents out of Buffalo, N.Y., to its intended destination, 150 Blackstone River Road in Worcester.

On Thursday night, the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to District Attorney's Office along with ICE HSI, the Drug Enforcement Agency and detectives from the Worcester Police Department then conducted a controlled delivery of the 225 pounds of marijuana to an individual later identified as Frantz.

With the marijuana in the bed of his gray pickup truck, Frantz headed north. Eventually State Police, Community Action Team and K-9 Troopers stopped the vehicle on Reservoir Road in Lunenburg. As a result of that motor vehicle stop, Frantz was arrested.

A subsequent search of Frantz's home in Lunenburg revealed about 2,000 pounds of marijuana, packaging materials, scales, ledgers, numerous cell phones, about $100,000 and a small firearm. Gravlin was arrested at Frantz's home.

The State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester District Attorney's Office, ICE HSI, Customs and Border Protection, the DEA, Worcester Police Department and Lunenburg Police Department assisted in the investigation which is continuing.