Thursday, 4:30 PM
Drug bust largest in Somerville history, police say
By John. R. Ellement, Globe Staff
Described as the "largest drug seizure" in Somerville history, police said today that they found almost 1 kilogram of heroin when they raided a home on Franklin Street on Thursday night that investigators allege has served as supply center for narcotic dealers.
The raid, which included four arrests, came after a 6 1/2-month investigation and also netted $5,625 in cash and drugs worth an estimated $500,000, authorities said. Two men and two women pleaded not guilty to a heroin trafficking and a host of other charges today in Somerville District Court.
Middlesex District Attorney Gerard T. Leone, Jr. said at a press conference this afternoon that heroin has become so inexpensive that it was being used by middle school-aged children. The four arrests should have a "significant impact on drug trafficking in this area and in New England," Leone said.
Chief Robert Bradley of Somerville police praised members of the community whom he said were critical in sparking the investigation.
"When residents help the police by providing useful information, we can have successful outcomes such as this one," Bradley said in a statement.
According to a police report filed in court, investigators went to execute a search warrant Thursday afternoon when a man police identify as Raymundo Baez, 31, arrived at the house in a Nissan Quest minivan. Police said they found 117.8 grams of heroin and $1,715 inside the minivan and in Baez’s possession.
Police remained at the house, and at 6:45 p.m. a 2002 Toyota Sienna minivan arrived Ricardo L. Gomez, 38, Fiorlenis Jimenez, 22, and Xiomara A. Ortiz, 43, inside. Police said they found 823.2 grams of heroin, a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and $3,910 in cash hidden inside the minivan.
Attorneys for all four defendants said today that their clients did not have any ties to the house on Franklin Street. Baez’s attorney, Maria C. Curtatone, said her client did not know the three people in the Toyota minivan. Police listed Baez as a Boston resident but did not provide a specific address.
Defense attorney William Keefe described Ortiz as a drug “mule” victimized by dealers. She works for a cleaning company and lives in Jamaica Plain, Keefe said.
Gomez, of Providence, had tips of his fingers burned in an apparent attempt to obscure his identity, police said. His lawyer, Patrick Troy, said that his client did not have any drugs or weapons in his possession when he was arrested.
Jimenez’s attorney, James McCall, also said that the allegations against his client were vague and unproven.
