10 charged in Massachusetts, Rhode Island fentanyl trafficking ring
BOSTON (WLNE) — The office of U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said Wednesday that 10 people in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were charged for their alleged involvement in a fentanyl trafficking ring.
Last month, law enforcement seized over 500 grams suspected fentanyl during the drug bust.
Investigators identified Ortiz-Alcantara as the leader of the group, whose base of operations was at a stash house in Fall River.
The attorney’s office said customers re-distributed fentanyl to their own local customers in areas including Cape Cod, Taunton and New Bedford.
Members of the operation, under Ortiz-Alcantara’s management and control, made drug transactions with these regular customers in public, including in the diaper aisle of a store and in supermarket parking lots, according to Rollin’s office.
Investigators also said that drugs were transported in cereal boxes while accompanied by a child, at least once.
It is also alleged that on at least one occasion, members of the DTO transported drugs concealed in cereal boxes while accompanied by a child. Over 500 grams of suspected fentanyl was seized during the investigation through controlled purchases and drug seizures, according to Rollins’ office.
The following individuals were charged with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl:
- Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 36, of Providence
- Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 24, of Cranston
- Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, 32, of Providence
- Rebecca Bartholomew, 36, of Yarmouth
- Jose Santiago, 45, of New Bedford
- Edwin Collazo, 26, of New Bedford
- Jason Cruz, 41, of New Bedford
- Michael Pacheco, 43, of Taunton
- Rafael Cesar Cabreja Jimenez, 27, of Providence
- Alfredo Valdez, 44, of Providence
Collazo and Pacheco were also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
