Police Seize Defaced Rifle From Alleged Drug Dealer at Beverly Depot

Local detectives arresting an alleged drug dealer at the Beverly Train Depot Tuesday night found that he was in possession of an illegal firearm, according to a release issued Wednesday evening.

At approximately 9:20 p.m., Beverly detectives arrested Roberto Torres, 21, of Beverly, on charges of possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number, possessing a firearm without an FID Card and illegally possessing a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute.

According to a release issued by police, detectives conducting surveillance in the area of the Beverly Train Depot noticed Torres get off of a train carrying a large blue bag.

Torres reportedly met another man on a bench at the depot and conducted what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction, according to police.

When detectives moved in to question the men, one reportedly fled down the railroad tracks and officers determined that Torres was in possession of a Winchester .22 caliber rifle with "obliterated" serial numbers.

Torres was arrested and during a search of his person multiple bags of marijuana were found. 

Torres was arraigned in Salem District Court today.

Det. Sgt. David Faustino, Det. Dana Nicholson and Det. Darlene Prinz conducted this investigation, with assistance from Officer Kenneth Rollins.