Cape Cod Heroin Bust Nets 11 Arrests

CAPE COD, MA — Eleven people are facing federal charges in connection with a heroin trafficking ring on Cape Cod, authorities said. The suspects, residents of Cape Cod and Rhode Island, were arrested Monday and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, according to the U.S. Attorney's office:

1. Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis;
2. Justin Joseph, 32, of Pawtucket, R.I.;
3. Anthony Basilici, 35, of Pawtucket, R.I.;
4. Vinicius Zangrande, 35, of Centerville;
5. Krymeii Fray, 23, of Hyannis;
6. Brooke Cotell, 25, of Hyannis;
7. Ronny Baams, 37, of South Yarmouth;
8. Tony Johnson, 35, of Hyannis;
9. Eric Brando, 27, of Osterville;
10. Joshua Johnson, 31, of Mashpee; and
11. Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis

In 2018, police began investigating Otero, who they believed to be the leader of a Cape-wide trafficking organization, the USAO said. The investigation revealed Otero and his co-defendants dealt "large quantities" of heroin and other drugs in Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, Osterville and Pawtucket, RI, according to the USAO.

Federal authorities also believe Otero, Joseph and Basilici were involved in a shooting at Fray's home on May 8, 2019 stemming from a drug debt Fray owed.

Authorities seized heroin, packaging materials, scales, a finger press, and three firearms and ammunition, including a 9-mm assault-style weapon, according to the USAO. A bullet hole in Fray’s home, consistent with the May 8 shooting, was also noted, police said.