A Massachusetts man who has been wanted for more than 16 years on multiple warrants was arrested Friday, police say.

Eric Rivera-Velez, 39, of Methuen, is facing charges for cocaine trafficking and being a fugitive from justice.

Methuen police say they received an anonymous tip Wednesday about potential drug sales out of a Brook Street home.

On Friday officers saw Rivera-Velez and determined he was one of the residents of the home in question.

After they confirmed his identity they learned he had multiple warrants out of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Rivera-Velez was listed on Rockingham County’s Most Wanted list and was wanted since 2002.

Police say Rivera-Velez had numerous aliases and altered fingerprints.



He was arrested on three warrants out of Lawrence District Court for drug trafficking and being a fugitive from justice. He has two warrants out of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, for conspiracy to sell drugs.

It's not clear when he will appear in court or if he has an attorney.