By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Seven people have been arrested in a series of unrelated drug busts over the past week in Providence in what police call “significant narcotics arrests” that resulted in the seizure of more than a half million dollars’ worth of heroin, cocaine and suspected fentanyl.
“It is the poisoning of our streets,” said Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh Clements at a late day news conference, where police displayed drugs, packaging materials, about $65,742 in cash, and a Walter P99 firearm. Police also seized four vehicles.
“Where we drugs, we see firearms, where we see firearms, we see violence on our streets,” Clements said.
“This is a problem that is not just limited to Rhode Island, not just limited to Providence, but is national in nature,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, who’s office will prosecute the seven people arrested in the raids.
Officials credited members of the Providence Police Narcotics Bureau and Intelligence Unit for the arrests.
Col. Clements said the most significant bust came Wednesday, July 6 at 305 Pearl Street, where police seized about three kilograms of heroin, including suspected fentanyl, worth an estimated $550,000 to $600,000, along with the Walter P99 firearm, equipped with a laser sight and four vehicles. Arrested in apartment 105 were Richard Duran, 27, and Jose Jimenez, 29, both face drug and conspiracy charges, Duran also faces firearms charges.
Arrested July 7 at 302 Pocasset Ave. were four suspects. Police seized 13.8 grams of heroin, 2.1 grams of cocaine and more than $61,000.
One man was arrested June 28 at 34 Pennsylvania Ave. Pedro Garcia, 39, was charged with possession with intent to deliver over 1 kilogram of heroin.
Police said they were able to keep the drugs off the streets and prevent overdose deaths.
“We have not specifically tied this investigation into any overdose deaths,” said Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare, who said the raids “saved lives. Because there would have been overdoses, without a doubt.”
