Son of prominent restaurateur faces drug charges after allegedly signing for package containing raw opium poppies

By Colin A. Young, Globe Correspondent

A South Boston man is facing drug charges after he allegedly signed for a package filled with raw opium poppies, prosecutors said.

Matthew Berkowitz, 32, pleaded not guilty Wednesday at his arraignment in South Boston District Court to charges of trafficking in a Class B substance and violating drug laws in a school zone.

Berkowitz is the son of Legal Sea Foods chief executive Roger Berkowitz, The Associated Press reported.

Late last week, Boston police were notified that a package addressed to Berkowitz contained drugs, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley’s office said. The package, which originated in England, allegedly contained more than 4 pounds of opium poppy plants.

The plants produce opium in their seed pods, which can be used as a drug. The opium can also be further processed into heroin.

Police took custody of the package, and officers dressed as DHL deliverymen delivered it to Berkowitz’s residence. When Berkowitz signed for the package, he was arrested. Prosecutors said Berkowitz told officers the plants were to be used for wreaths. Inside the residence, officers said they saw “a grinding and preparation station for processing the poppies.”

Judge Michael Bolden set bail at $7,500 and added that Berkowitz must give up his passport, and submit to drug evaluation and treatment, if he posts bail. Berkowitz’s attorney, Thomas Hoopes, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.