September 25, 2025

Major Drug Busts in Providence Lead to Multiple Arrests

News Summary

Rhode Island State Police executed significant drug busts in Providence, arresting Joel Garcia and others while seizing illegal drugs like fentanyl and firearms. The operation targets organized crime connected to ongoing violence in the area. A separate case involved the arrest of a convicted murderer for cocaine distribution, highlighting broader issues of drug trafficking in Providence. Law enforcement vows to continue disrupting these criminal networks to ensure community safety.

Providence

Rhode Island State Police have made multiple arrests and seized significant quantities of illegal drugs and firearms during two major drug busts in Providence. Notably, Joel Garcia, a 47-year-old resident of Providence, faces serious drug and gun charges following searches at two separate locations in the city, 5 Dresser St. and 49 Portland St.

In the Dresser Street residence, authorities confiscated 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.3 kilograms of cocaine, and 147 grams of methamphetamine. During the operation, investigators also recovered a loaded semi-automatic gun from the Portland Street address. Garcia is accused of utilizing the Dresser Street apartment for storing, packaging, and distributing drugs while residing at the Portland Street location. He now faces various drug and firearms-related charges.

Overview of the Busts

The drug bust of Garcia is part of larger statewide efforts targeting organized crime. Eleven individuals with known gang affiliations have been arrested as a result of a lengthy investigation dubbed “Operation Brick House,” which lasted for 21 months. The investigation began following a shooting incident on Interstate 95 on October 21, 2023. Through their inquiries, detectives uncovered a network actively engaged in violent firearms-related offenses, narcotics trafficking, and fraud.

Authorities reported that members of the gang employed GPS tracking devices to target victims in a series of shootings linked to their activities. The vast investigation involved the execution of 130 search warrants and the seizure of various items associated with drug distribution. In total, the arrested individuals, aged between 23 and 43, include ten men and one woman, with six arrests occurring in Providence. Additional arrests were made in North Providence, East Greenwich, Cranston, and East Providence.

Separate Drug Bust Involving Convicted Murderer

In a related drug case, authorities arrested convicted murderer David Mello, 38, and his girlfriend Juricco Castillo, 37, for distributing cocaine. Mello, who previously served 40 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in 2008, was found with a bag of cocaine in his pants during his arrest. Police also discovered approximately $6,000 in cash stashed in a birthday gift bag in their vehicle at the time of the arrest, which included the presence of a baby.

Further investigation into Mello and Castillo’s activities revealed more cocaine and over $25,000 in cash located at their residence. Additionally, authorities found an extra $40,000 and more cocaine at a storage unit in Cranston, as well as three kilograms of cocaine and around $20,000 at Mello’s father’s home in Fall River. Upon interrogation, both Mello and Castillo admitted to their involvement in drug distribution and are now facing multiple drug charges while being held without bail.

Community Impact and Future Actions

These significant drug busts highlight ongoing issues related to organized crime and drug trafficking within the Providence area. Law enforcement officials assert that operations like “Operation Brick House” are vital in disrupting the activities of gangs and reducing violence in communities. The state police continue to prioritize efforts to dismantle drug networks and apprehend individuals involved in such crimes to enhance community safety.

As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to implement further measures to curb drug-related offenses and associated gang activities in the region, ensuring the ongoing safety and security of Providence residents.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

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