Medford Residents Busted for Cocaine
Nine Kilos of Cocaine Seized Valued Over $500,000
Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone announced today that two Medford residents have been arrested and arraigned in connection with the seizure of approximately nine kilograms of cocaine.
Heriberto Cruz, 43, and Patricia Taia, 29, were arrested Monday and arraigned Tuesday morning in Somerville District Court on charges of trafficking cocaine over 200 grams and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine over 200 grams. Somerville District Court Judge Maurice Flynn ordered cash bail set at $250,000 for Cruz and $1,000 for Taia.
According to the District Attorney, the seized cocaine’s street value is estimated to be worth more than $500,000. Cruz and Taia were arrested and the drugs confiscated after an investigation by Medford Police, State Police assigned to the DA’s PACT Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Boston office.
“These were significant arrests that resulted in nine kilograms of cocaine being seized and taken off the streets of Medford. Illegal drug use and drug trafficking are serious offenses that are also often at the root of many additional crimes. Drug crimes have a tremendously negative impact and adversely affect the quality of life in our communities. We will continue to actively investigate and prosecute drug crimes and I want to thank the DEA and Medford P.D. for their cooperative effort in this investigation,” said District Attorney Leone.
According to authorities, an investigation resulting in a search warrant for Cruz’s Central Avenue home on Monday led to the seizure of seven kilos of cocaine from the house and two kilos from Taia’s SUV, which was parked in the driveway. Both Taia and Cruz were arrested and charged at that time.
The pair will be in court again on August 20, 2008 for a Status Hearing.
The Middlesex PACT Unit is a team of prosecutors and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases of public integrity, anti-terrorism, corruption, technology, and high-level narcotics.
This case was investigated by State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit, the Medford Police Department, and the DEA. The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is David Solet.
– InsideMedford.com