BCAT News

Chief Thomas Browne said in a release he is proud to share that eight members of the Burlington Police Department received the Francis A. Grondin Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of drug enforcement.

The New England Narcotic Enforcement Officers’ Association recognized eight members of the Burlington Police Department for their contributions to the dismantling of a national drug trafficking organization. Those who took part in the investigation, Operation Midas Touch, were recognized at the organization’s 51st Annual Spring Training Conference and Awards Dinner, held on May 26 in Newport, R.I.

The award recipients include: Detective and Task Force Officer Paul Callahan, Detective Paul Glejzer, Lt. Matt Leary, Detective Jim Hanafin, Detective Dom Grossi, Detective Amanda Santos, Officer Mike Minicheillo, and Detective Ashley Daniels.

The award honors Francis A. Grondin, a pivotal member of the Quincy Drug Enforcement Unit. Before his passing, Detective Grondin oversaw numerous undercover drug investigations, for which he was commended for his exceptional work performance and professional leadership abilities. This award is granted to individuals who exemplify the qualities and standards set by Detective Grondin.

Operation Midas Touch began in early 2020 when the Burlington Police Department arrested an individual in possession of a small amount of crystal methamphetamine. The eight members of the Burlington Police Department, in collaboration with members of DEA Boston TDS, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (AFT), Brookline Police Department, and Boston Police Department, discovered that the drug supply was linked to a drug trafficking organization supplying crystal methamphetamine, firearms, and other drugs across the New England region.

In two years, investigators have arrested 27 people, written 32 notarized statements to be used as evidence in trial, seized more than $200,000, more than 150 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, a kilo of fentanyl, more than 40,000 counterfeit Adderall and Percocet pills, and more than 70 pounds of marijuana. Investigators also have successfully identified sources of supply in Mexico and continue to investigate.