Arrest leads to seizure of AR-15 assault rifle and over $1 million in fentanyl

Special to The Advocate

REVERE – On Friday, December 27, 2024, Revere Police Patrol Units initiated an early morning investigation inside a hotel room located at the Quality Inn at 100 Morris St. in Revere. The investigation resulted in patrol officers discovering a large capacity .556 caliber assault rifle. Officers subsequently arrested Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, 28, for the alleged weapons violation.

Revere Police Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division and Special Investigations Unit, along with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, later applied for and obtained a search warrant for the premises. The search warrant was executed and reportedly recovered approximately 5 kilograms/10 lbs. of the deadly narcotic fentanyl with an estimated street value of over $1 million. In addition, three large capacity rifle magazines, one of which was loaded with .556 ammunition, were recovered.

“This individual endangered occupants of the hotel, on-site workers, public safety personnel and the community at large,” stated Police Chief David J. Callahan. “His arrest underscores our commitment to work tirelessly to protect our community from those dealing deadly Fentanyl and possessing illegal firearms.”

Sanchez was charged with 10 firearm offenses and Trafficking in Fentanyl. He was arraigned in Chelsea District Court and was held without bail. A Dangerousness Hearing is scheduled for January 2.