Case against alleged large-scale Rhode Island cocaine ring moves forward
The case against an alleged Fall River cocaine ring accused of importing the drug in baby powder bottles shipped from Puerto Rico is set to move forward after a probable cause hearing in Boston’s federal court Monday. The drug ring allegedly led by Luis Lopez of Tiverton, Rhode Island, imported cocaine from Puerto Rico via U.S. mail, and distributed the drugs in Fall River and New Bedford, according to a criminal complaint. Investigators said Lopez imported at least 15 kilos of cocaine over the course of their six-month investigation, and believe Lopez and his cohorts imported more than 200 kilos of cocaine into the country in the course of two years.
Along with Lopez, Chindy Diaz of Fall River and Israel Santiago of New Bedford appeared in court Monday. The two allegedly arranged addresses for Lopez to ship the cocaine to, and received the packages themselves.
Tyson Britto of Fall River also appeared in court; he allegedly operated Lopez’s stash house in Fall River, and helped with distribution.
All four were arrested on June 30, 2016, according to court documents.
At the hearing Monday, the arraignments for Lopez and Britto were set for August 2. Arraignments for Diaz and Santiago were set for August 4. The government expects to indict the four defendants this week.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Rosen stated that Lopez’s three Rhode Island properties were being seized, as well as his cars, jet skis, and currency held in Russian rubles.
“We don’t believe he has any legitimate income,” said Rosen. Because Lopez’s assets were seized, he was appointed to attorney Elliot Weinstein.
According to an affidavit by Angelo Meletis, a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration, evidence in this case includes confidential informants, search warrants, drug seizures, and wire and electronic interceptions.
In the 54-page complaint, Meletis details the seizure of a package of, “what appeared to be four 22-ounce bottles of baby powder,” with the seals on the bottles still intact. The package also included a baby pacifier and baby clothes. Meletis concludes that the package was intended “to look like it was a gift.”
However, once agents opened the bottles of baby powder, they allegedly found 2,300 grams of cocaine inside.
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