BREAKING: Lamar Cook, Deputy Director of the Healey administration in Western Massachusetts, has been arrested on serious drug trafficking charges following a major cocaine seizure at the Springfield State Office. The Hampden District Attorney’s office confirmed the arrest, which occurred after State Police intercepted a shipment of cocaine on October 10, 2023.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the governor said, “The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust.” Cook, 45, was terminated from his position immediately after the arrest. The governor’s office is cooperating with law enforcement in what is now an ongoing criminal investigation.
Cook was apprehended while driving on Tuesday evening and faces charges of trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, along with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is scheduled for arraignment at Springfield District Court later today.
Authorities report that during the investigation, they seized “multiple parcels containing a combined total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine.” The trafficking charges stem from a controlled delivery operation executed at the Springfield State Office building where Cook was employed.
The Hampden DA revealed that this operation is part of a broader investigation, which includes two previous significant drug trafficking seizures. Just days earlier, on October 10, police intercepted 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine at Hotel UMass in Amherst, where Cook served as Director prior to joining the Healey administration.
Evidence collected during the earlier operation was found to be consistent with narcotics recovered during the recent delivery in Springfield, raising serious concerns about Cook’s involvement in ongoing drug trafficking activities.
The investigation is being led by the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team, along with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and other partner agencies. The DA’s office has indicated that this active investigation may lead to additional charges related to the earlier shipments in Hampshire County.
This shocking arrest underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking in the region. As the case develops, more details are expected to emerge, and the community is on high alert regarding the implications of this case on public safety and trust in local government.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
