Man, 76, held in drug case linked to Chelsea cab firm
A Revere man pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges that he allegedly dealt prescription drugs in exchange for cash and cigarettes from the office of a Chelsea cab company.
Richard "Pops" Picardi Sr., 76, was ordered held on $10,000 bail after his arraignment in Chelsea District Court on charges that included unlawful distribution of a Class B substance, violating drug laws in a school zone, and receiving stolen property, according to the Suffolk district attorney's office.
Picardi was arrested Friday night at Square Cab Co. in Chelsea, where he operated his drug business, according to the district attorney's office. Although he had his own desk, officials said it was unclear whether Picardi actually worked there.
"He clearly had an illicit business," said Jake Wark, a spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley. "Whether he had an official capacity there was unclear."
Witnesses had informed the Chelsea police of the alleged drug deals at the cab company, Wark said. Undercover officers purchased OxyContin tablets and other drugs from Picardi five times since last month, Wark said. Picardi also illegally sold cigarettes, officials said, and during one of the buys undercover officers bought three OxyContin pills in exchange for $40 and eight packs of cigarettes.
Chelsea police found $11,646 on Picardi when he was arrested Friday, Wark said. Police also found 74 Roxicet pills and nearly two full cartons of cigarettes in his desk, they said. The cigarettes were not affixed with a sticker to show that state taxes had been paid for them.
Officers also recovered 21 packs of razors and five unopened bottles of cologne they believe were stolen from a nearby Tedeschi's store.
Police reported that they tried to buy OxyContin from Picardi on Friday. "Earlier on Friday, officers had attempted to buy the tablets and he told them that he was currently out, but expecting more," Wark said.
Officials believe Picardi was running the business alone. No other drugs or contraband were found at the cab company, officials said.
A driver who answered the phone at the cab company last night said no one was available to talk about the matter. A woman who answered the phone at Picardi's home and identified herself as his sister declined to comment. Attempts to reach Picardi's lawyer were unsuccessful.
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