Mexico to Massachusetts Cocaine Pipeline Ends In 'Large-Scale' Bust

WOBURN, MA — An interstate investigation that started with a tip from a motor vehicle stop in Texas culminated in a takedown of a "large-scale" cocaine operation that imported drugs from Mexico to Massachusetts via Texas, Middlesex DA Marian Ryan announced late Wednesday afternoon. Six in Massachusetts and one in Texas were arrested and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of drugs were seized. The arrests came after a lengthy wiretapping investigation that started in the fall.

Authorities seized on Friday a package of two kilos of uncut cocaine at a UPS facility in Somerville. The cocaine, estimated to be worth more than $100,000 on the street, was packaged inside automobile parts and masked in what appeared to be transmission fluid in an attempt to evade detection. "This is an enormous amount especially when cut," Ryan said.

The investigation also resulted in the discovery of three pounds of marijuana, scales and packaging materials used for drugs, two guns, approximately 200 grams of a cutting agent, five automobiles, and about $6,000. Investigators recovered about $40,000 throughout.

"As a direct result of this far reaching investigation, our office was able to disrupt a multi-state drug operation involving the shipment of hundreds of thousands of dollars of narcotics to Massachusetts," Ryan said. "By targeting dealers, we are able to focus our resources on those who supply dangerous drugs and help stop the flow of these lethal drugs into our communities and across our borders."

Ryan said the bust is part of a trend showing cocaine becoming more popular because it can be cut with fentanyl and carfentanil.

Watch the video of Middlesex DA Marian Ryan's conference below.

Jorge Delgado-Rivera, 39, of Melrose was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 200 grams and trafficking cocaine over 200 grams. He was arraigned Tuesday in Malden District Court and held on $150,000 cash bail, which was revoked due to an open case. Maritza Medina, 39, of Melrose was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 200 grams. He was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail.

Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle said he was "extremely proud" of his department, which executed the arrests without incident.

Jairo Salado-Ayala, 36, of Lynn was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 200 grams and trafficking cocaine over 200 grams. He is being held on $100,000 cash bail.

Juan Gabriel Cruz G'Arriga, 19, of Puerto Rico was arrested in Lynn and charged with trafficking cocaine over 200 grams, improper storage of a firearm, and possession of a firearm without a license. He was held on $100,000 cash bail. Joe River Azbino, 34, of Puerto Rico was arrested in Lynn and charged with trafficking cocaine over 200 grams, improper storage of a firearm, and possession of a firearm without a license.

Alex Cordero, 24, of Chelsea was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He was held on $250 cash bail.

Leonel Castenda of Mission, Texas, was arrested early Wednesday morning and is accused of exporting bulk uncut cocaine to Massachusetts for cash.

Photos, video by Mike Carraggi, Patch staff