Joint investigation leads to arrest of Taunton man for drug trafficking

In May and June of this year, members of the Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team – South initiated a drug trafficking investigation. Intelligence revealed that JASON HODO, 33, of Taunton, was distributing fentanyl and cocaine in commercial quantities in Rhode Island and in Plymouth and Bristol Counties in Massachusetts. Investigators conducted extensive traditional and undercover surveillance, records reviews, and intelligence analysis. The investigation resulted in search warrants being sought and obtained to search all locations associated with HODO for all controlled substances.

On Wednesday, June 5, law enforcement officers followed HODO in his vehicle after he left the Rhode Island location and drove to a gas station in Taunton. HODO was detained, searched, and arrested after quantities of fentanyl and cocaine were found. Members then executed “knock and announce” search warrants at locations in both states without incident.

During the searches in Massachusetts, approximately 528 grams of fentanyl, 206 grams of cocaine, and nearly $22,000 were seized from HODO’s person and vehicle. HODO was eventually transported to the state police in Middleboro, where he was charged with trafficking in Class A and Class B substances.

A simultaneous search of the Rhode Island location by Rhode Island State Police yielded the following: two firearms with high capacity magazines, approximately 12 grams of fentanyl, nearly $19,000, several high value gold bars, jewelry, and a diamond/gold chain with receipt valued at $103,000. HODO also faces charges of aggravated possession of a firearm and trafficking in fentanyl in Rhode Island.