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Dartmouth Woman and Weymouth Man Indicted in Cocaine Trafficking Ring
A North Dartmouth woman and a Weymouth man have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, authorities said.
Cristina Lopez, 43, of North Dartmouth, and John Tavares, 31, of Weymouth, were charged in connection with drug trafficking activities involving shipments of multiple kilograms of cocaine sent through the mail.
According to court records, more than 40 suspicious parcels were identified that had been sent via the United States mail from Puerto Rico to various addresses in Massachusetts, including residences in Quincy, North Dartmouth, Weymouth, and New Bedford.
Agents allegedly seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine hidden in sealed coffee cans during a search of two of the parcels. Through surveillance, agents determined that Lopez and Tavares were receiving the majority of the parcels.
The indictment alleges that Lopez and Tavares had regularly been flying from Massachusetts to Puerto Rico for trips lasting only 30 to 72 hours, and that the parcels suspected of containing cocaine were then typically sent to Massachusetts within one to three days after their return.
The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and other law enforcement officials announced the indictment. Investigative assistance was provided by the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, North Dartmouth and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Nadine Pellegrini are prosecuting the case.
A federal district court judge will determine the sentence, based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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