Rhode Island — Five men are now facing serious drug and weapons charges following an investigation into a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking ring that spanned multiple cities across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The announcement came from the Rhode Island State Police on October 8, after the HIDTA Task Force concluded a months-long joint operation with the Massachusetts State Police.
Joint Investigation and Search Warrants
Authorities executed search warrants at several homes located in Bellingham, Central Falls, and Woonsocket. The coordinated raids led to significant drug and cash seizures, along with the recovery of firearms.
According to the reports, the officers confiscated the following:
- Over 4,800 grams of cocaine
- 100 grams of fentanyl
- Two fully loaded semi-automatic pistols
- $79,000 in cash
Suspects Identified
Five individuals were taken into custody in connection with the investigation:
- Enyel Delapaz Pantojas, 23, of Bellingham
- Eddyziel Mejia Cortes, 22, of Bellingham
- Daryl Yahir Melendez Lopez, 21, of Bellingham
- Hector Ramos, 29, of Woonsocket
- Ricardo Salazar, 56, of Central Falls
Narcotics Distribution Network
Investigators allege the group used these residences to store, package, and distribute narcotics across regional markets. Police believe the homes served as central locations for managing the flow of cocaine and fentanyl in the area.
Charges Filed
Each suspect faces multiple criminal charges, including:
- Possession with intent to deliver cocaine
- Possession with intent to deliver fentanyl
- Possession of a firearm while committing a controlled substance violation
The case remains under investigation as law enforcement agencies continue to trace the network’s wider distribution links…