HAVERHILL — After being on the run for a week, a man described by police as a large-scale cocaine dealer has been captured by police.

Acting on a tip, officers with the North Shore and Boston gang units arrested Hector Milette Sr., 29, of 34 Grand Ave., Haverhill, in Dorchester at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, said Sgt. John Arahovites, Police Department spokesman. Milette, wanted on charges of trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to violate the drug laws, surrendered without a struggle, Arahovites said.

A force of 20 federal, state and local officers arrested four men on drug charges last week, but somehow Milette managed to dodge the sweep, Arahovites said. Police said the group is responsible for bringing illegal drugs into Haverhill neighborhoods.

Police asked the public for help in finding Milette.

At his arraignment in Haverhill District Court, Judge Stephen Abany ordered Milette held at Middleton jail in lieu of $200,000 cash. The other four men arrested last week also were ordered held on large bail amounts.

"He's got major headaches," Arahovites said of Milette. He and his codefendants ran "a very big operation" and dealt in large amounts of drugs, weapons and money, according to the police spokesman.

Several of the men grew up together and they often peddled the narcotics from their homes, Arahovites said. Police allege that Milette, also known as "Little Hec," sold cocaine to undercover buyers on Aug. 5, 18 and 27 and Oct. 20. The operation also sold marijuana and the hallucinogenic drug Ecstasy, Arahovites said.

Arrested in last week's sweep were:

Alejandro Cruz, 55, of 222 Essex St., Lawrence, four counts of trafficking in cocaine and four counts of conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Efrain Crespo, 32, of 131âÑ2 Grove St., possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a license, trafficking in cocaine and two counts of conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Eric Gonzalez, 30, of 34 Grand Ave., three counts of trafficking in cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession of a class C substance.

Joseph Hurley, 27, of 94 Keeley St., one count of trafficking in cocaine and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a class D substance with intent to distribute, possession of a class B substance, and being a fugitive from justice.

Seized in that sweep were $10,000 in cash, two pounds of marijuana valued at $3,000, 200 grams of cocaine valued at $16,000, and two handguns, according to Deputy Chief Donald Thompson.