Igor Desouza, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking, Massachusetts 2021

Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking Hits Malden Hard

Two men from Malden, Massachusetts, have been charged with trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around their hometown. Igor Desouza, 25, and Matthew Ramos, 24, were indicted on one count each of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and other controlled substances.

According to the indictment, the investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England Field Division's Boston Tactical Diversion Squad. The search of the defendants' residence on May 25, 2021, resulted in the recovery of a firearm, over 200 rounds of ammunition, black tar heroin, MDMA crystals, cocaine, doses of LSD, and nearly 10,000 pills suspected to include thousands of methamphetamine pills pressed to resemble Adderall or Xanax; thousands of fentanyl pills pressed to resemble oxycodone; thousands of MDMA tablets; amphetamines; and oxycodone.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, at least four and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

Desouza will be arraigned in federal court in Boston on December 3, 2021. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Malden Police Department, and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Mendell's Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

As the Grimy Times continues to follow this story, we will keep you updated on any developments. For now, the citizens of Malden can rest a little easier knowing that those responsible for bringing these deadly substances into their community are being held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/two-malden-men-indicted-trafficking-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine