Aide to Dem Gov Busted in Cocaine Trafficking Scheme at State Office Building

A senior aide to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat rumored to have 2028 presidential ambitions, has been arrested in a sweeping cocaine trafficking operation that investigators say moved drugs directly into a state government office building.

LaMar Cook, 45, the deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts office, is facing charges of trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, illegal firearm possession, and unlawful possession of ammunition, according to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.

Authorities say the probe uncovered connections to approximately 21 kilograms (46 pounds) of cocaine — a staggering amount that prosecutors allege was part of an organized operation tied to multiple locations across the state.

The investigation began after a controlled delivery operation last week involving eight kilos of cocaine sent directly to the Springfield State Office Building, where Cook worked. Days later, police arrested Cook during a Tuesday traffic stop, leading to the seizure of additional narcotics and evidence.

Prosecutors revealed that the bust was linked to 13 more kilograms of cocaine intercepted earlier at Hotel UMass in Amherst, where Cook had previously been employed.

“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Gulluni said.

Cook pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court on Wednesday and was ordered held on $25,000 bail.

Healey Fires Aide Amid Public Outcry

Governor Healey’s office moved quickly to distance itself from the scandal, firing Cook within hours of the arrest.

“The governor’s office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook,” a Healey spokesperson told Boston 25 News. “The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust.”

“Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately,” the statement continued. “This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”

Cook’s LinkedIn page described him as a “key liaison between the state government and the western region of Massachusetts” who coordinated policy across four counties — a role that gave him broad access to government operations.

Republicans Slam Healey’s Leadership

The arrest sparked immediate backlash from Massachusetts Republicans, who blasted Healey for what they called a breakdown of leadership and oversight in her administration.

Mike Kennealy, a GOP hopeful for the 2026 governor’s race, wrote on X:

“Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration. When I’m Governor, we’ll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created.”

Brian Shortsleeve, former chief of the MBTA, echoed the criticism:

“A top aide to Gov. Maura Healey is a drug trafficker. This is beyond shocking.”
“This is a reflection not just on our governor and her failed leadership and management skills, but on our entire state, and we shouldn’t tolerate it. Gov. Healey owes Massachusetts an explanation.”

Trump Administration Expands Enforcement Under “Patriot 2.0”

The arrest comes amid a broader federal crackdown on drug and immigration crimes in Massachusetts under President Donald J. Trump’s second-term administration.

The Department of Homeland Security recently confirmed that a new operation — “Patriot 2.0” — is underway to target criminal illegal aliens and drug traffickers across New England.

“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, nowhere is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens,” a DHS spokesperson said. “If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return.”

Governor Healey dismissed the surge as “more of the same” from Washington.

“While they’ve said they’re after violent criminals, what we’ve seen far too often are construction workers and nannies and health care aides and agriculture workers being taken away from their families,” Healey claimed, while insisting Massachusetts “is not a sanctuary state.”

But for many residents, the arrest of a high-ranking Healey aide on major drug charges has become a powerful symbol of how deeply corruption and lawlessness have penetrated Democratic strongholds — even into the heart of state government itself.