Taunton man arrested, thousands in cash seized in multi-state drug trafficking bust

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — An investigation into a multi-state drug trafficking scheme led to the arrest of a Taunton man last week.

Massachusetts State Police said 33-year-old Jason Hodo was arrested on June 5 after officers found fentanyl and cocaine in his possession.

The arrest was the result of an investigation by the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team.

Officials said Hodo distributed trafficking quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Rhode Island and throughout Plymouth and Bristol Counties in Massachusetts.

The investigation came to a head on June 5, as executing officers followed Hodo after he departed the Rhode Island location, arresting him at a Taunton gas station and executing search warrants at locations in both states.

Authorities said searches in Massachusetts led to the seizure of over 500 grams of fentanyl, 200 grams of cocaine and nearly $22,000.

Hodo was taken to the State Police location in Middleboro for booking on charges related to Trafficking Class A and Class B Substances.

Officials said a search by Rhode Island State Police revealed two loaded firearms with high-capacity magazines, about 12 grams of fentanyl, and nearly $19,000.

Massachusetts State Police said RISP also found several bars of gold, jewelry, and a diamond/gold chain with a receipt for $103,000.

Thousands in cash and jewelry were seized in a bust on June 5, 2024. (MSP)

Hodo will also face felony gun possession and fentanyl trafficking charges in Rhode Island, in addition to the aforementioned charges, according to authorities.