Top Photo: Latin King flag and “suspected” gang members Edward Morales and Radames Lopez… in custody…

Actual BPD Press release:

Over the past two weeks, the BPD Narcotics Unit and SCU have continued the proactive targeting of heroin traffickers operating in the area. In the past two weeks, BPD Detectives and SCU Officers have executed 5 heroin related search warrants and arrested 18 individuals on heroin charges.

Over the past two months, the BPD Narcotics Unit has been investigating two individuals, Carlos Cortez (age 52) and Jose Lopez (age 49), suspected of heroin trafficking in the Main St, Hyannis area.

The investigation involved a series of undercover purchases of heroin from both suspects as well as extensive surveillance of the two suspects. During the investigation, Detectives Tom Chevalier and Mark Butler were able to gather enough evidence to obtain search warrants for the residences of Cortez at 71 Main ST, Apt 7 in Hyannis and Lopez at 53 Parkway Place in Hyannis. Detectives were also able to identify two suspected “Latin King” gang members (Edward Morales- age 23 and Radames Lopez- age 21) from Holyoke that were traveling to Hyannis to supply Lopez, Cortez and others with heroin.

On 4/3/14, Detectives served the search warrant at Cortez’ residence and seized 17 bags of suspected heroin. On 4/14/14, the second search warrant was served at Lopez residence. Detectives seized approximately 100 bags of heroin and $1800 in cash. On 4/14/14, Cortez and Lopez were both arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin W/Intent to Distribute.

On 4/15/14, BPD and YPD Detectives along with the SCU initiated surveillance on the suspected heroin suppliers (R. Lopez/E. Morales) in anticipation of them traveling from Holyoke to Hyannis with a supply of narcotics. Shortly after 8PM, Morales and R. Lopez were stopped as they exited Rt 6 onto Rt 132 in Hyannis. A subsequent search of their vehicle, by Mashpee Officer Mike Asad and his drug detecting K9 “Lola”, resulted in the seizure of approximately 105 bags of heroin along with a larger baggie of unpackaged heroin (16 grams) and approximately 7 grams of cocaine.

The narcotics were hidden in the engine compartment of R. Lopez’ vehicle. The street value of the drugs is approximately $10,000.

Edward Morales and Radames Lopez were arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substance Act, Trafficking Heroin, and Possession of Cocaine w/Intent to Distribute. At the time of his arrest, Morales had two outstanding warrants from Hamden Superior Court charging Possession of Heroin W/Intent to Distribute and Assault and Battery on a Correctional Guard.

Both R. Lopez and E. Morales have extensive criminal histories. Despite being only 23 years old, Morales has 40 adult arraignments on his criminal record and has been convicted of 3 different heroin distribution cases as well as Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. R. Lopez has 27 adult arraignments on his criminal record and has been convicted of, and is on probation for, A&B DW/Firearm.

Mugshots and press release provided by the Barnstable Police Department… Note: Latin King flag and Spanish lettering was added by HN…

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