IPSWICH — Chief Paul Nikas reports that the Ipswich Police Department arrested a man last week on numerous drug charges following extensive investigation by Ipswich Police Detectives.
DERICK KAPLINGER, 50, of Kingston MA, was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (Over 200 Grams)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance (Cocaine)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance (Methamphetamine)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class E Substance (Benzodiazepine)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class E Substance (Gabapentin)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class E Substance (Hydromorphone)
On June 22, the Ipswich Police Department was contacted by a Somerville Police Department Detective who had been tracking a possible drug dealer operating in the greater Boston area.
Ipswich Police joined the investigation, which included undercover operations, and identified KAPLINGER as a suspect.
On Saturday June 25, at approximately 2:30 p.m., an undercover police detective met with KAPLINGER at a predetermined meeting spot. Ipswich Police and members of a regional Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division (NEFD) task force established surveillance prior to the meeting.
During the undercover transaction, KAPLINGER allegedly produced a black plastic bag containing what was determined to be methamphetamine. Shortly afterward, KAPLINGER was taken into custody without incident.
After being booked by the Ipswich Police Department, KAPLINGER was transported to the Essex County House of Correction where he awaited arraignment.
The Ipswich Police Department would like to thank it’s law enforcement partners, including the Somerville Police Department, the Ipswich Police K-9 Unit and the NEFD Task Force One.
“The Ipswich Police Department, working in conjunction with our partners in Somerville and throughout Greater Boston, worked diligently to shut down a reputed drug distribution operation affecting our whole region,” Chief Nikas said. “Everyone involved executed their roles in an effective and professional manner, as our citizens should always expect from their law enforcement and public safety agencies.”
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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