Evidence seized from trash of Providence narcotics operation leads to conviction, sentencing of leader

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A convicted fentanyl trafficker was sentenced Thursday to state prison in Providence County Superior Court, according to the office of Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.

Nelson Nunez, 34, has been sentenced to serve 13 years at the ACI followed by 25 years of probation.

Nunez pleaded nolo contendere on February 13 to one count of possession of over one kilogram of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Nunez, AKA “Money Maker,” was identified as the leader of a major narcotics-trafficking organization in Providence after a Rhode State Police began their investigation into the activity in March of 2021.

RISP investigators determined Nunez’s distribution methods in 2022, learning through surveillance that he used different taxi cab services to travel to a stash house and then make brief stops throughout Providence.

Investigators also obtained evidence of drug distribution via trash discarded by the organization, or a trash pull, confirming that their activity was ongoing and based in multiple locations.

The 15-month investigation culminated in the execution of search warrants on seven Providence residences, including Nunez’s home.

The operations resulted in the seizure of approximately four kilograms of fentanyl laced with xylazine and $120,000 in cash.

Five other defendants have been sentenced in investigation since 2022, and an additional individual awaits sentencing this summer.