After 8 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly intercepted as part of an investigation in Massachusetts, a former director in the governor’s office was arrested this week. He’s reportedly been denied bail.
A Thursday press release revealed that Hampden District Attorney Anthony D.
Gulluni announced the arrest of 45-year-old Lamar Cook. WBUR reported that Cook served as the deputy director of Gov. Maura Healey’s western Massachusetts office until he was fired last Saturday.
According to the Hampden DA’s office, the investigation that resulted in Cook’s arrest – conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET West) with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other partner agencies – included a “controlled delivery” that took place last Saturday. That delivery was located at the Springfield State Office Building, where Cook was employed.
Investigators executed a search warrant of the suspect’s former office within the office building on Monday night and he was arrested Tuesday evening while operating his vehicle in Springfield, authorities said. Cook has been charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
In the Thursday press release, the Hampden DA’s office described the case as an “ongoing investigation.” It also noted that investigators had seized 21 total kilograms of cocaine, including the 8 grams discovered last weekend.
“The investigation stems from two prior seizures conducted by law enforcement earlier this month,” the release explained. “On October 10, 2025, investigators intercepted and searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst, which were found to contain approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine. Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield. The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to the prior shipments in Hampshire County.”
During a Friday court hearing, Kevin Maltby ordered that Cook be held without bail at the Hampden County House of Correction. Maltby ruled that Cook is dangerous, WBUR reported.
“Cook’s attorney, Kedar Ismail, did not immediately respond to a request for comment,” said the outlet.