RI and Mass. State Police combine to arrest five in alleged cocaine, fentanyl operation
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island and Massachusetts State Police (MSP) task forces combined to arrest five suspects on narcotics and weapons charges throughout their respective states.
According to Rhode Island State Police (RISP), RISP HIDTA Task Force and MSP CINRET personnel concluded their joint investigation October 8, executing multiple search warrants, seizing:
- 4,865 grams of cocaine
- 100 grams of fentanyl
- Two fully-loaded semi-automatic pistols
- $79,619 in cash
These seizures occurred at 90 Elbow Street in Bellingham, Mass. and 122 Cross Street in Central Falls, according to RISP.
A warrant was also executed at 182 Cumberland Street in Woonsocket.
The following suspects were arrested in the operation, according to RISP Major Kenneth M. Moriarty:
- Enyel Delapaz Pantojas, 23, of 90 Elbow Street, Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Eddyziel Mejia Cortes, 22, of 90 Elbow Street, Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Daryl Yahir Melendez Lopez, 21, of 90 Elbow Street, Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Hector Ramos, 29, of 182 Cumberland Street, Woonsocket, Rhode Island
- Ricardo Salazar, 56, of 122 Cross Street, Central Falls, Rhode Island
RISP said the task forces concluded that the suspects were part of a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl distribution operation.
The multiple addresses were used to store, package and distribute these drugs, according to RISP.
Multiple charges were filed in this case, including possession with the intent to deliver over one kilogram of a schedule II controlled substance – cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver one ounce to one kilogram of a schedule II controlled substance – fentanyl and possession of a firearm while committing a controlled substance violation.
