News Summary
Authorities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts arrested five individuals linked to a substantial cocaine and fentanyl distribution operation. Following a thorough investigation by the Rhode Island State Police HIDTA Task Force and Massachusetts State Police CINRET, the operation led to searches at multiple locations, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics, firearms, and cash. The investigation highlights ongoing drug trafficking issues impacting community safety.
Five Arrested in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for Cocaine and Fentanyl Distribution Operation
Authorities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have arrested five individuals as part of a significant crackdown on a cocaine and fentanyl distribution operation. This operation was concluded by the Rhode Island State Police HIDTA Task Force in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police CINRET on October 8, following a thorough investigation into narcotics and firearms violations.
During the enforcement action, court-authorized search warrants were executed at three locations: 90 Elbow Street in Bellingham, Massachusetts; 122 Cross Street, Floor 2, in Central Falls, Rhode Island; and 182 Cumberland Street, Apt. 85, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The coordinated searches resulted in the seizure of over 4,800 grams of cocaine, 100 grams of fentanyl, two fully loaded semi-automatic pistols, and approximately $79,000 in cash.
Details of the Arrests
The five suspects, all charged with multiple firearms and narcotics offenses, are:
- Enyel Delapaz Pantojas, age 23, of Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Eddyziel Mejia Cortes, age 22, of Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Daryl Yahir Melendez Lopez, age 21, of Bellingham, Massachusetts
- Hector Ramos, age 29, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island
- Ricardo Salazar, age 56, of Central Falls, Rhode Island
The charges against the suspects include:
- Possession With Intent to Deliver Over 1 Kilogram of Cocaine
- Possession With Intent to Deliver One Ounce to One Kilogram of Fentanyl
- Possession With Intent to Deliver Fentanyl
- Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine
- Possession of a Firearm While Committing a Controlled Substance Violation
Investigation Background
This investigation was the result of collaborative efforts among various law enforcement agencies, including the Rhode Island State Police, HIDTA Task Force members, Massachusetts State Police, and local and federal entities. The Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force consists of members from multiple police departments and the Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with the Rhode Island National Guard Counterdrug Program.
The investigation highlighted a large-scale distribution network that utilized multiple addresses across Rhode Island and Massachusetts for the storage, packaging, and distribution of illegal narcotics. The seizures made during this operation reflect a substantial effort to disrupt the flow of cocaine and fentanyl into the region, which poses significant risks to public health and safety.
Community Impact
As communities in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts continue to grapple with the challenges of substance abuse and drug trafficking, operations like this are crucial in combating the negative impact of illegal drugs. The collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies demonstrates a dedicated approach to tackling drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of residents.
This development serves as a reminder of the persistent issues surrounding drug distribution networks and the importance of ongoing vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies in addressing these challenges.
The authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests could follow as they continue to dismantle the infrastructure supporting this drug distribution operation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Turn to 10 News
- ABC 6 News
- Fall River Reporter
- GoLocalProv
- WPRI
- Wikipedia: Substance Abuse
- Google Search: drug distribution network
- Google Scholar: cocaine and fentanyl distribution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Narcotics
- Google News: drug arrests Rhode Island 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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