More than 30 arrested in Woonsocket Drug Sting

30 Arrested in Woonsocket Drug Trafficking Sting
"Operation Zero Tolerance" centered on the Veterans Memorial housing complex in Woonsocket.

Woonsocket, RI
By Mark Schieldrop (Patch Staff) - February 29, 2016 10:19 pm ET
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WOONSOCKET, RI—Local, state and federal officials announced on Monday the arrest of more than 30 people and the takedown of a drug trafficking ring centered on the Veterans Memorial housing complex.

The 10-month investigation “focused on eliminating the perpetual violence in and around the Veterans Memorial housing complex that is being fueled by illicit drug trafficking,” said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.

Investigators from the Woonsocket Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force identified people known to be trafficking narcotics over the course of their investigation. Undercover operatives executed more than 60 controlled buys of heroin, fentanyl, crack and cocaine from about 35 people in the area of the housing complex.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Zero Tolerance,” has led to the seizure of about 25 grams of heroin, five grams of fentanyl, more than 350 grams of crack and $6,500 cash.

The wave of arrests began earlier this month when police and DEA agents began executing arrest warrants obtained from the lengthy investigation. As of Monday, 29 people have been charged with various counts of delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy to violate the Uniformed Controlled Substance Act.

Among the charged was one juvenile who was presented in Family Court and two people charged by a federal complaint and ordered held following an initial appearance in U.S. District Court. Another was arrested by Attleboro police and is awaiting extradition for arraignment. Two remain with warrants for their arrests.

Woonsocket’s Acting Police Chief Capt. Michael Lemoine said that the operation “clearly demonstrates the tremendous collaboration and partnership between the Woonsocket Police Department and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

“We can accomplish great things when we work together,” he said.

Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt said she is very pleased with the success of the joint operation and proud of the police department to make the city safer.

“Working together with our state and federal partners, I hope to continue to press ahead and make all of our housing facilities safer for our residents,” she said.

The investigation was aided by police departments across Rhode Island, including the Central Falls Police Department, Coventry Police Department, Cranston Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Johnston Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Providence Police Department, Newport Police Department, South Kingstown Police Department, Warwick Police Department, West Warwick Police Department the Rhode Island State Police, the Rhode Island Sheriffs, the United States Marshals, and the Woonsocket Housing Authority.