Federal Cybercrime Investigation Uncovers Major Drug Trafficking Operation in Lowell

A federal investigation into potential cyber crimes took a dramatic turn early Tuesday morning in Lowell when Homeland Security agents, alongside Lowell Police, uncovered an extensive drug trafficking operation in a Belvidere neighborhood home. Authorities seized nearly $135,000 in cash and a variety of illegal substances, including MDMA, cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and THC products, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old John Simers.

The operation began shortly before 6 a.m. at 483 Butman Road, where agents executed a federal search warrant aimed at collecting computer equipment and digital storage media. Simers, who has lived at the residence for about three years, cooperated with law enforcement during the search. However, the investigation quickly shifted focus as agents discovered nearly 15 pounds of marijuana, 49 grams of cocaine, 398 grams of MDMA, and a significant quantity of THC products, including 919 vape pens and 293 containers of gummies.

In addition to the drugs, police found $110,000 in cash inside a box in a bedroom, bringing the total seized amount to $134,721, now pending a civil forfeiture hearing. Two unidentified substances were also recovered but were later confirmed not to be illicit.

Simers faces multiple charges, the most serious being trafficking in over 200 grams of MDMA, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years. He was arraigned in Lowell District Court, where bail was set at $10,000 cash. Simers posted bail the same day and is required to surrender his passport. His attorney has not commented on the case, and it remains unclear if any computer equipment was taken from the residence as part of the ongoing investigation.