Three Arrested on Cocaine, Heroin Distribution Charges

STONEHAM, MA—After a two-month-long investigation by the Stoneham Police Department and the Southern Middlesex Regional Drug Task Force, three men have been arrested on drug distribution charges.

The Stoneham Police Department announced Monday that Mark Botelho, 41, of Stoneham; Victor Lantigua, 23, of Lawrence; and Christopher Morales, 22, of Lawrence were arrested on Jan. 21 on cocaine and heroin distribution charges. Detectives set up an undercover buy with Lantigua who was accompanied by Morales, both of which were arrested on the scene.

“Unfortunately, illegal drug use and distribution are major problems in every community, but we will continue to attack the supply side of this problem with full force,” Chief James McIntyre said in Monday’s release. “Thanks to the diligent work by all of the detectives involved in this case, we were able to take three alleged drug dealers off of the streets.”

Before setting up the undercover buy, detectives executed a search warrant at Botelho’s residence, and were able to connect Lantigua to Botelho for the distribution of cocaine.

Charges levied against the three men are as follows, according to Monday’s release:

Botelho was charged with:

• Distribution of a Class B Controlled Substance (Cocaine)

• Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Controlled Substance (Cocaine)

• Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Controlled Substance (Oxycodone)

• Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class E Controlled Substance (Lidocaine)

• Possession of Firearm Ammunition without a License

• Operating a Vehicle with a Revoked License.

Lantigua was charged with:

• Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Controlled Substance (Cocaine)

• Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws

Morales was charged with:

• Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Controlled Substance (Heroin)

• Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws.

Photo via the Stoneham Police Department.