Two individuals, Nilton Maia and Edgardo Ortiz, have been arrested and arraigned under the 2023 Safer Communities Initiative.
The Barnstable Police Department informs that Nilton Maia, 36, of New Bedford, was detained on September 7 in possession of over half a kilo of cocaine. Despite his release on a $50,000 cash bail, Maia was subsequently arrested again on November 2 after being pinned as a drug source by the Barnstable Police Community Impact Unit and Detective Unit. At the time of arrest, he was found carrying crack cocaine, fentanyl and Xanax.
Meanwhile, on October 30, 42-year-old Edgardo Ortiz from Hyannis was arrested for driving without a valid license. Officers on scene discovered more than 100 grams of cocaine and 18 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, in a different Barnstable Police Department report, Ortiz along with Maia were identified as narcotics suppliers in the East End of Main Street, Hyannis.
The 2023 Safer Communities Initiative includes various law enforcement agencies in the struggle against drug trafficking in Cape Cod. Lancaster is the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit, Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Detective Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration Cape Cod Task Force, and Barnstable County Sheriff's Office.
In this pursuit, the 2023 Safer Communities Initiative will continue to aim for a secure environment, shielding the community from criminal activities.
