Suspected drug dealer spit out bags of heroin 'like a Pez dispenser'

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 24 (UPI) -- Police in Springfield, Mass., said a suspected heroin dealer tried to swallow evidence, but instead "spit out the 20 bags like a Pez dispenser."

Springfield police Sgt. John Delaney said officers and narcotics officers had been keeping tabs on suspected drug dealer Abraham Lean, 44, and they moved in to make an arrest about 1:45 p.m. Thursday.

Delaney said officers saw Leon shove two bundles of heroin -- 20 small bags -- into his mouth in an apparent attempt to swallow the evidence.

"Well, unless you're a hippopotamus, there is no way anyone could swallow two bundles of dope. The arresting officer put out his hand and the dealer spit out the 20 bags like a Pez dispenser," Delaney said.

Leon was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

Delaney said Leon's arrest was part of Police Commissioner John Barbieri's plan to put a "full court press" on heroin dealers.

"If you deal drugs in Springfield, plan on having a new residence at the Hampden County House of Correction. The war on heroin is being won, one arrest at a time in Springfield," Delaney said.