News Summary
A multi-agency operation in Rhode Island has led to the seizure of 12 firearms and various narcotics in Providence. The investigation, involving multiple police departments, resulted in four arrests, including a significant drug dealer. Authorities are tackling crime effectively with structured operations, leading to several major busts this year, including a case with substantial cocaine and fentanyl. The ongoing efforts reflect a strong commitment from local law enforcement to combat drug-related activities and ensure public safety in the community.
Providence
A significant multi-department investigation into illegal firearms and drug distribution in Rhode Island has resulted in the seizure of 12 firearms, various narcotics, and other critical evidence. In a coordinated effort, Providence police, alongside North Providence, Woonsocket, and the Rhode Island State Police, executed six search warrants, guided by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, Pawtucket Police Department served another warrant during this extensive operation, which is the latest in a string of successful anti-drug and anti-gun efforts within the state.
As part of these investigations, police arrested 30-year-old Chayenne Delossantos and his girlfriend after a thorough months-long probe into drug distribution activities between Warwick and Providence. The arrest followed search and seizure warrants that unearthed containers filled with narcotics, four illegal firearms, and $7,000 in cash from their residence on Orms Street.
The confiscated narcotics included potent substances such as fentanyl, cocaine, and bags of marijuana. Delossantos now faces multiple serious charges, including distribution with intent to distribute within a school zone and has a lengthy criminal history involving previous firearms charges, first-degree robbery, and narcotics arrests.
In total, four individuals were arrested and seven firearms were seized within just three recent investigations focusing on drug-related crimes and a robbery incident. The ongoing operations have garnered attention from local officials, including Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Police Chief Oscar Perez, who recently held a news conference to underscore the dedication and achievements of the undercover detectives in curbing crime, even amid recorded decreases in overall crime numbers.
This year, the Providence police department has executed 113 search warrants, leading to substantial drug busts including the seizure of 19 firearms. One significant case involved the capture of five kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl, with an estimated street value of approximately $1.5 million, along with considerable amounts of cash and vehicles. Among the suspects in this case, one individual reportedly had 13 aliases and was found to have illegally re-entered the United States after a previous deportation.
Compounding the situation, a 25-year-old man from Providence was taken into custody for his connection to a jewelry and cash robbery that occurred on South Water Street. Fighting back during the arrest, the suspect was subdued with a taser, leading to multiple charges, including first-degree robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.
In another important development, a month-long investigation into drug trafficking overseen by the Rhode Island State Police led to the arrests of three individuals: Tyrone Wilcox, Christian Frederick, and Rocco Tetreault. Search warrants were executed in multiple locations including Providence, North Providence, Lincoln, and Pawtucket. Authorities seized a large cache of illegal firearms, notably including ghost guns, in addition to hundreds of grams of various narcotics such as fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, and Adderall. Distribution materials and a kilogram narcotics press were also discovered, further illuminating the extent of the operation.
The three individuals arrested in this drug trafficking operation have been remanded to the ACI Intake Center, where they await their arraignment. The ongoing investigations reflect a dedicated response from authorities aiming to combat crime sustainably and effectively. This remains a developing story, with further updates anticipated as the investigation continues.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6: Providence Police, ATF and Area Departments Seize 12 Firearms
- Turn to 10: Providence Police Briefing on Narcotics Arrest
- Providence Journal: Mayor and Police Chief Tout Recent Arrests
- GoLocalProv: Narcotics and Firearms Seized at Roger Williams Park
- WPRI: Five Men Arrested on Drug and Gun Charges
- Google Search: Rhode Island police drug arrests
- Wikipedia: Firearms regulation in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Narcotics
- Google News: Rhode Island crime news
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island drug trafficking
