1A top aide to Democratic Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Lamar Cook, has been fired following his arrest on charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Cook, who served as deputy director of Healey’s Western Massachusetts office, was taken into custody after investigators intercepted multiple packages of suspected cocaine intended for the Springfield State Office Building where he worked. Authorities reportedly seized roughly 21 kilograms of cocaine in total, linking the bust to earlier discoveries at Hotel UMass, where Cook had previously served as director.

Governor Healey’s office immediately terminated Cook after the arrest, calling his conduct “unacceptable” and a “major breach of public trust.” Cook pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court and is exp

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