Wareham Police Arrest Onset Man on Cocaine Trafficking Charges

WAREHAM — Wareham Police have arrested an Onset man and taken almost $50,000 worth of drugs off the street.

Over the last couple of weeks, Wareham Police detectives developed information about an individual who was possibly selling illegal narcotics from a residence in Onset.

At about 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, a Wareham Police detective was conducting surveillance of the area and observed a vehicle leave the residence. The detective, assisted by other officers, stopped the car on Main Avenue. During a search of the driver and his vehicle, detectives located 388 grams of suspected cocaine in one large bag, 31 individual baggies of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine totaling 28 grams, a digital scale, $645 in cash, two cell phones, and a large knife.

Lashii Ortiz, 24, of 49 Onset Avenue was placed under arrest and is being charged with trafficking in over 200 grams of cocaine, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. Officer Steven Joy transported Ortiz to Wareham Police headquarters for booking before taking him to Wareham District Court.

Detectives assisted by members of the Patrol Division, then executed a search warrant at 49 Onset Avenue. While searching, Officers Joseph Cardoza and Christopher Corner located another 54 grams of suspected cocaine hidden in the residence. Additional charges will be forthcoming from the suspected drugs found in the home. The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is approximately $47,000.

--Wareham Police