Berkshire Co. arraigns three men for drug trafficking

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10)-- Three men were arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Wednesday in connection to a drug trafficking investigation. County officials said Kareem Archibald, 25, of Bronx, New York, Maurice Simmons, 33, of Bronx, New York, and Jah'Rell J. Mayes, 22, of Pittsfield, were all arrested on Tuesday.

County officials said law enforcement arrested Archibald, Simmons, and Mayes outside Mayes' Brown Street apartment. Archibald and Simmons complied with police as they were arrested, and Mayes was taken into custody on Oak Street after fleeing on foot.

After searching Mayes' apartment and the bags Archibald, Simmons, and Mayes had in their possession when they were arrested, law enforcement recovered $20,729 in cash, about 146 grams of cocaine worth $7,300 to $14,600, digital scales, multiple cell phones, and illegal firearms and ammunition. Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said there's no tolerance for large-scale drug trafficking in the county.

"Once again, the Task Force conducted a comprehensive investigation and taken action to apprehend individuals bringing drugs and violence," Shugrue said. "We will ensure that these individuals are held accountable for their actions."'

Recovered items

Simmons' person and bag

• One cell phone
• Roughly 14 grams of cocaine
• Roughly 790 baggies of heroin
• Roughly $2,739

Mayes' person and bag

• One cell phone
• Approximately 16 grams of cocaine
• Roughly 250 baggies of heroin

Archibald's person and bag

• Three cell phones
• Approximately four ounces of cocaine worth between $5,800 and $11,600

Brown Street apartment

• Roughly 50 half-packs of heroin, equivalent to 2,500 baggies
• Black Sig Sauer 9mm, loaded with 11 rounds
• Taurus Millennium .40 calibre, loaded with 10 rounds
• 9mm magazine with 10 rounds
• 9mm ammunition box with 50 rounds
• Roughly $5,000 in a duffle bag
• Approximately $11,950 in a safe
• Two functional digital scales