Two men from Providence and another from Cranston were arrested yesterday on Federal charges of drug trafficking in connection with a fentanyl ring through Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The trio - part of ten people charged with trafficking in 14 point 9 kilograms of the drug.
The Massachusetts US Attorney says the group based their operations out of a stash house in Fall River.
The following defendants were arrested Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances:
· Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 36, of Providence, R.I.;
· Mario Rafael Dominguez-Ortiz, 24, of Cranston, R.I.;
· Yeury Francisco Garcia-Rodriguez, a/k/a “Benjamin Osorio Pizarro,” 32, of Providence, R.I.;
· 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; and
· Alfredo Rodriguez.
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New England,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like fentanyl. The DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
If convicted the defendants could spend 20 years in prison and be fined a million dollars.
(Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)