TEWKSBURY — On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., members of the Tewksbury Police Department Narcotics Unit in the area of Main Street when they observed what appeared to be a drug transaction involving a blue Ford Fusion.
According to Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus, police subsequently pulled the Ford over and identified the driver and passenger as Eriberto Franco, 28, of Methuen, and Franyel Aybar, 30, of Lawrence.
During a search of the vehicle, police located multiple bags containing a tan powdery substance believed to be fentanyl and a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine.
During the motor vehicle inventory, police recovered approximately 97.2 grams of suspected fentanyl and 31.4 grams of suspected cocaine. Police also found a large sum of cash on Franco’s person, according to Chief Columbus.
Eriberto Franco, 28, of Methuen, was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking Fentanyl, More than 36 grams, Less than 100 grams
- Trafficking Cocaine, More than 18 grams, Less than 36 grams
Franyel Aybar, 30, of Lawrence, was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking Fentanyl, More than 36 grams, Less than 100 grams
- Trafficking Cocaine, More than 18 grams, Less than 36 grams
Franco and Aybar were scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Lowell District Court.
