Statewide violent crime initiative leads to dozens of arrest

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

An 18 month investigation into drug dealing in Providence has led to at least 35 arrests and the seizure of at least 15 firearms.

Today’s announcement brought to light the Rhode Island Urban Violent Crime Initiative which involved Providence Police, the DEA, ATF, FBI, the Attorney General and the US Attorney’s Office.

“In this investigation, DEA agents and its partners made over 35 purchases of heroin and crack cocaine from 27 traffickers all within the Hartford Park neighborhood,” said Michael Ferguson of the DEA.

The investigation also uncovered a gun trafficking network with ties to the Crips Street Gang that was shipping firearms illegally to Rhode Island from North Carolina.

“This statewide task force is an example of how the Providence Police Department leverage partnerships with Local, State, and Federal partners to dismantle gun and drug activity throughout Rhode Island.  Let this be a strong message to the community that we will continue using all of the resources available to us to make this City and state safe and that violent criminals will be held accountable for the crimes that they commit,” said Commissioner Paré.

(C) WLNE/TV 2015