Members of the Districts A-7 (East Boston) and A-1 (Downtown Boston) Drug Control Units, working in partnership with the Everett Police Department, Revere Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police, have concluded a three-month narcotics investigation targeting a drug distribution operation in the greater Boston area.

The investigation culminated on Monday, June 8, 2026, when officers arrested John Gil-Zapata, 39, of Revere, in East Boston. Officers simultaneously executed four court-authorized search warrants covering a Revere apartment, a storage unit at the same address, a motor vehicle, and Gil-Zapata’s person.

During the execution of the search warrants, officers recovered approximately 2,287 grams of cocaine, including an unopened kilogram brick. Also seized were tens of thousands of dollars in U.S. currency and a motor vehicle.

The Boston Police Department would like to recognize the critical support and collaboration of the Revere Police Department Drug Control Unit, the Everett Police Department Drug Control Unit, and the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Unit throughout this investigation.

Gil-Zapata is expected to be arraigned at East Boston District Court on the following charges:

• Trafficking in Cocaine (200 Grams or More)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Substance (Cocaine)