Chief James McIntyre
47 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044
For Immediate Release
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Stoneham Police Arrest Two Men on Fentanyl Trafficking Charges
STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre reports that the Stoneham Police Department arrested two men for allegedly trafficking fentanyl on Wednesday afternoon.
MIGUEL A. RUIZ, AGE 32, and CARLOS BRIOSOS-COLLANTES, AGE 36, BOTH OF MATTAPAN, were each charged with:
- Trafficking More Than 10 Grams of Fentanyl
- Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Law
- Forgery or Misuse of a Registry of Motor Vehicles Document (License)
On Wednesday, March 7, at approximately 1 p.m., Stoneham Police detectives were conducting surveillance in the area of San Jose Terrace and Lee Street. Police have recently received information about drug deals taking place in the area.
Through the course of their surveillance, detectives observed what they believed to be an alleged drug deal between people in two vehicles.
The detectives followed one of the vehicles, a Jeep, with two men inside. The men were later identified as RUIZ and BRIOSOS-COLLANTES. The Jeep stopped at a nearby Dunkin Donuts and both men got out of the vehicle and went inside.
As they were coming out of the building, Stoneham detectives approached both men for questioning. As they were interviewing RUIZ and BRIOSOS-COLLANTES, officers observed a clear plastic bag with a tan powdery substance in plain view on the front seat of the Jeep. Upon further inspection, detectives observed multiple clear plastic bags containing what was believed to be heroin or fentanyl in the center console of the Jeep.
Through the subsequent investigation, police seized 21.96 grams of fentanyl, $1,616 in cash and three cell phones from both men, as well as the vehicle.
RUIZ and BRIOSOS-COLLANTES were both placed under arrest and taken to the Stoneham Police station to be booked.
During the booking process it was discovered that both men may have been using false identities. Stoneham Police are investigating the true identities of the men.
They were arraigned in Woburn District Court today.
“Due to the good work of our officers, lives were potentially saved by taking the dangerous drug fentanyl off the street,” Chief McIntyre said.
The Stoneham Police Department urges residents who suspect criminal activity to call the Dispatch Center at 781-438-1215. If you would like to report suspected drug activity anonymously, please call the Drug Tip Line 781-438-1215, extension 3213.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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