Narcotics Trafficking Ring Dismantled in Taunton

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced the culmination of a 10-month long multi-agency investigation into the international distribution of narcotics which resulted in the arrest of three Taunton men, along with the seizure of four kilograms of cocaine and vehicles.

The investigation was led by District Attorney Quinn’s State Police Drug Task Force, and also included assistance from DEA Agents and US Postal Service Inspectors.

Raymond Algarin, 45, of 30 Highland Street; Jose Burgos, 56, of 6 Jefferson Court; and Orlando Rosas Rodriguez, 41, of 11 Hodges Avenue, were all arrested Friday, May 8th and charged with trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to violate the drug laws. Mr. Burgos was arraigned Monday in Taunton District Court and ordered held on $100,000 cash bail. Mr. Algarin was also arraigned Monday in Taunton District Court and ordered held on $50,000 cash bail. Mr. Rosas Rodriguez is currently being held without bail until his arraignment on Friday, May 15th.

After several months of investigation, police and federal agents tracked a package mailed from Puerto Rico to Mr. Algarin. The package was intercepted by investigators on May 8th and, pursuant to a warrant, was opened. Inside the package, four kilograms of cocaine was discovered. Later that same day, a Postal Service Inspector dressed as a letter carrier delivered the package to a home the alleged conspirators used at 27 Kilmer Ave., in Taunton. Prior to the delivery of the package, surveillance units observed Mr. Burgos, who was driving in Mr. Rosas Rodriguez’s personal vehicle, drop Mr. Algarin off at the Kilmer Avenue residence before driving away. The package was then delivered to Mr. Algrain.

Approximately 10 minutes later, Mr. Burgos returned to the Kilmer Avenue address and parked in the driveway. Moments later, Mr. Algarin was observed exiting the residence and returning to the vehicle. Mr. Algarin was now carrying a weighted black backpack.

Mr. Burgos then drove Mr. Algarin to 6 Jefferson Court. Minutes later, investigators executed search warrants at both 11 Hodges Avenue and 6 Jefferson Court. Both Mr. Burgos and Mr. Algarin were arrested without incident outside of the home at 6 Jefferson Court. After securing the two suspects, investigators observed the black backpack inside the vehicle Mr. Burgos had been driving. The backpack was then opened, revealing the package containing the four kilograms of cocaine.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rosas Rodriguez was apprehended by State Police Detectives, after stopping his vehicle on the Southeast Expressway in Boston.

Aside from the large quantity of cocaine taken off the streets, police also seized a 2004 Ford Explorer and a 2005 Mini Cooper.

The investigation was coordinated by Assistant District Attorney Steve Butts, who is the Chief of District Attorney Quinn’s Drug Prosecution Unit. Assistant District Attorney Butts handled both arraignments in Taunton District Court.

“After 10 long months of tracking the movements and illegal activities of this large-scale narcotics distribution ring, I am very pleased that today we can announce the successful completion of this phase of the investigation,” District Attorney Tom Quinn said today. “Not only did we remove $35,000 worth of cocaine from the streets of Taunton, but we also dismantled an organization that had been one of the leading suppliers of cocaine in the region. Although we must remain vigilant and continue to pursue those who seek to poison our cities for profit, today’s announcement has certainly made the people of Greater-Taunton safer in their communities.

“The cooperation shown by my state police unit and our federal partners is a testament to the fact that when we all work together, we can make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I want to thank all agencies involved in this lengthy probe for their hard work and dedication.”