LOWELL — A 40-year-old Lowell man was arrested on drug trafficking charges after a search warrant executed by detectives at his Highlands apartment on Monday allegedly turned up cocaine, fentanyl and nearly $60,000 cash, police said.
Joseph Cartagena Torres was charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, trafficking 36 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm, after police said they discovered a stolen 9 mm handgun inside the apartment.
Torres was arraigned on Tuesday in Lowell District Court by Judge John Coffey, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Torres was held on $200,000 cash bail and is scheduled to return to court on July 14 for a probable cause hearing.
Torres’ attorney, Christopher Malcolm, briefly commented on the case on Thursday, pointing out his client has no past criminal history.
“This is is a brand new allegation against a young man with no prior criminal history,” Malcolm said. “His loving family is supportive and they eagerly await his return home.”
Lowell Police reports available in court documents state Torres was the target of an investigation carried out by detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigations Section. On Monday evening, detectives and Gang Unit officers executed a search warrant at Torres’ home, located in Heritage Properties’ Hallmark Village Apartments on Princeton Boulevard.
During the course of the search, court documents state that police uncovered 1,425 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of fentanyl packaged and placed in various locations throughout the apartment. Court documents state the search also led to the discovery of $59,756 cash, also scattered in various locations throughout the home.
According to court documents, Torres, who was present as detectives searched the apartment, admitted to police to having an unlicensed 9 mm handgun under the mattress of his bed. Court documents state Torres told police the weapon belonged to him, however police allegedly determined the gun was reported stolen out of Manchester, N.H.
Court documents state that police also uncovered two magazines — one loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and the other with 12 rounds. Police also allegedly found packaging materials and digital scales inside the apartment.
According to court documents, a report of abuse or neglect, also known as a 51A report, was filed by detectives since a child was present in the apartment. Court documents state Animal Control was also called to the home to take custody of a small dog that was inside the home.
Malcolm said on Thursday that he is unable to speak in detail about the case, as it remains under investigation.
“(Torres) has pled not guilty and we look forward to defending him against these accusations,” he said.
Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis.