Winthrop Police Arrest and Charge Two Men with Drug Distribution Offenses

WINTHROP — The Winthrop Police Department arrested and charged two men with separate instances of drug distribution on Tuesday. 

TYRONE ROBINSON, age 45, of WINTHROP, was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Subsequent Offense)

RALPH SOSTRE, age 39, of LYNN, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Fentanyl
• Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

On Tuesday, March 3, following an ongoing investigation, members of the Winthrop Police Criminal Investigations Division and Patrol Division, along with a Task Force Officer from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, executed multiple court-authorized search warrants at a residence on Governors Drive. 

As a result of the search, ROBINSON, was placed under arrest. An investigation into this case remains ongoing.

Also on Tuesday, March 3, members of the Winthrop Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, while being assisted by the Winthrop Police Patrol Division, conducted an investigation into suspected narcotics distribution in the areas of Kennedy Road, Atlantic Street, and surrounding neighborhoods. A preliminary investigation determined that a blue 2021 Tesla Model Y, was involved. The vehicle was registered to SOSTRE. 

During the course of the investigation, detectives observed activity consistent with street-level narcotics distribution. Detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Revere Street and Shirley Street. During the motor vehicle stop, SOSTRE failed to comply with repeated lawful orders. After continued refusal to exit, officers were forced to break the vehicle windows to safely remove him. SOSTRE was taken into custody following a brief struggle.

A search of SOSTRE and the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 18.9 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 12 grams of suspected cocaine, along with multiple clear plastic bags, a digital scale, two cellular telephones, and more than $2,400 in cash. Additional suspected narcotics were recovered during the booking process.

ROBINSON and SOSTRE were both arraigned on Wednesday in Boston Municipal Court. 

“I want to credit our detectives, our Patrol Division, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department for excellent collaborative work on these cases,” said Chief John Goodwin. “These arrests and our proactive work to reduce drug dealing in Winthrop make our community safer.”

These are allegations. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.