India, Oct. 29 -- A state official working in Governor Maura Healey's western Massachusetts office has been fired after being arrested in a major drug investigation. Lamar Cook, 45, of Springfield, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with trafficking cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Cook worked as the deputy director of Healey's Springfield office, according to the state's website.

Authorities said Cook's arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale drug trafficking. Investigators have seized about 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine in total.

This case began early this month, when officials intercepted two suspicious packages from Hotel UMass in Amherst on October 10. Those ...