Philly Guy Charged With Trafficking Heroin In Worcester

WORCESTER, MA—A Philadelphia man is facing trafficking charges after he's caught selling heroin, and possessing more than 37 grams of it in his car.

On Wednesday, May 24, the WPD Vice Squad were conducting surveillance in the Vernon Hill area, where there had been reports of drug dealing. An officer spotted a Toyota RAV4 with Connecticut plates that pulled up to a woman for a brief moment and then drove off on Fairbanks Street. Police stopped the woman, who had no drugs on her, but police believe she may have swallowed the evidence.

They followed the RAV4 and spotted two similar, short, transactions in difference parts of the city, stopping the alleged buyers. On Jacques Ave. near King Street, a man headed toward the Toyota for another quick exchange. The alleged buyer was identified as Nicholas Laporte, 27, Town Farm Road, North Brookfield. A search of Laporte resulted in the discovery of three half gram bags of heroin.

Officers then stopped the Toyota at Chandler and Piedmont streets. Jose Hinojosa, 26, Marsden Street, Philadelphia, PA, was removed from the car and searched. The vehicle was searched as well. The search produced a total of 37.22 grams of heroin. and $554.00 in cash.

Hinojosa was placed under arrest and charged with Trafficking heroin (36-99 grams), Distribution of Class A Substance, and Possession of Class A Substance with the Intent to Distribute. Mr. Hinojosa’s bail was set for $75,040.

Laporte was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Class A Substance.

Both men will be arraigned on Thursday, May 25, at the Worcester District County Courthouse.