Cranston Man Sentenced for Major Drug Trafficking

Law enforcement officers conducting a search during a drug trafficking investigation.

News Summary

Jorge “Big Head” Pimental, a 36-year-old from Cranston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a significant fentanyl and cocaine drug operation. The case began with a routine traffic stop that revealed a hidden drug compartment, leading to the seizure of 11 kilograms of cocaine and other illegal substances valued at approximately $385,000. Authorities focus on dismantling the larger network behind this drug trafficking operation to enhance community safety.

Cranston Man Sentenced for Role in Major Drug Seizure

Cranston, Rhode Island – Jorge “Big Head” Pimental, a 36-year-old resident of Cranston, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in one of Rhode Island’s most significant fentanyl seizures. This sentencing took place last week in the U.S. District Court in Providence. After completing his prison term, Pimental will also undergo five years of federal supervised release.

The case traces back to a stash house located in Pawtucket and involved a range of illegal substances, including an extensive amount of fentanyl. The operation came to light during a traffic stop in Cranston when police discovered a hidden drug compartment in a rental vehicle, leading to further discoveries.

The traffic stop occurred approximately at 9:58 a.m. at the intersection of Park and Reservoir avenues. Initially, officers stopped the vehicle for a seatbelt violation. However, upon discovering a trash bag in the trunk containing an illegal amount of medicinal marijuana, police escalated their investigation. The findings prompted police to shift from reasonable suspicion to probable cause, allowing them to conduct a more thorough search.

A K9 unit aided investigators in locating the hidden compartment within the rental car, which is estimated to cost between $3,000 and $5,000 to install and operates pneumatically. During the search, law enforcement seized a total of 11 kilograms of cocaine and other drugs, valued at approximately $385,000. The bricks of drugs confiscated each weighed close to one kilogram (2.2 pounds), showcasing the substantial nature of the operation.

Initial field tests conducted on the seized materials confirmed the presence of cocaine and fentanyl. Additionally, investigators found 11 pressed pills suspected to be counterfeit hydrocodone, which also potentially contained fentanyl, alongside marijuana gummies.

The driver of the rental vehicle, identified as a local college student, now faces multiple charges, including possession of more than a kilogram of cocaine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and illegal possession of narcotics. Cranston police are concentrating their efforts on uncovering the larger network that underlies this extensive drug operation due to the significant quantity of drugs seized.

Authorities have expressed a commitment to “climb the pyramid” in order to reach higher-level associates involved in drug distribution activities. This initiative aims to dismantle the broader framework of drug trafficking that has impacted the Cranston community and the surrounding areas.

The investigation leading to Pimental’s arrest started with the discovery of illicit drugs during routine traffic stops and inquiries, underscoring the efforts of Cranston police to combat the growing drug problem in the area. With the sentencing of Pimental, law enforcement agencies hope to deter other individuals from engaging in similar criminal activities and highlight the ongoing challenges they face in tackling drug-related crimes.

The seizure reflects a growing concern regarding the availability of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in Rhode Island, prompting law enforcement to remain vigilant and proactive in their fight against drug-related crime and public health threats.