For Immediate Release July 22, 2008                                    
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 781-897-8325

Two Arrested, Arraigned After Nine Kilos of Cocaine Seized in Medford Bust
  Street Value Of More Than $500,000

MEDFORD – Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that two people have been arrested and arraigned in connection with the seizure of approximately nine kilograms of cocaine in Medford.  The seized cocaine’s street value is estimated to be worth more than $500,000.  The arrests and seizures were the result of an investigation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit, the Boston office of the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Medford Police Department.

Heriberto Cruz, 43, of Medford, and Patricia Taia, 29, of Medford, were arrested yesterday and arraigned this morning in Somerville District Court on charges of trafficking cocaine over 200 grams and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine over 200 grams.  Somerville District Court Judge Maurice Flynn ordered cash bail set at $250,000 for Cruz and $1,000 for Taia.

“These were significant arrests that resulted in nine kilograms of cocaine being seized and taken off the streets of Medford,” District Attorney Leone said. “Illegal drug use and drug trafficking are serious offenses that are also often at the root of many additional crimes.  Drug crimes have a tremendously negative impact and adversely affect the quality of life in our communities.  We will continue to actively investigate and prosecute drug crimes and I want to thank the DEA and Medford P.D. for their cooperative effort in this investigation.”

According to authorities, on Saturday, July 19, the Boston office of the DEA contacted the Middlesex PACT Unit regarding the seizure of nine kilograms of cocaine.  Based on information obtained after further investigation, on Monday, July 21, a search warrant was obtained by the PACT Unit to be executed at Cruz’s residence.

Upon execution of the search warrant, 7 kilograms of cocaine were found within Cruz’s house, with an additional 2 kilograms found in Taia’s SUV parked in the driveway.  Both defendants were arrested and charged at that time.

Their next court date is August 20, 2008 for a Status Hearing. 

The Middlesex PACT Unit is a team of prosecutors and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases of public integrity, anti-terrorism, corruption, technology, and high-level narcotics.

These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit, the Medford Police Department and the DEA. The Assistant District Attorney assigned to this case is David Solet.

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