Grand jury indicts 2 men arrested in connection to major drug bust in Woonsocket

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A grand jury on Monday indicted two men who were arrested earlier this year in connection to a major drug bust in Woonsocket.

Woonsocket police share this photo of a major drug bust, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.

Attorney General Peter Neronha said the grand jury charged both Juan Boch Munoz Canela and Carlixto Munoz Fernandez with the following:

• One count of possession of fentanyl (greater than 1 kilo)
• Possession of para-flourofentanyl (greater than 1 kilo)
• Five counts of possession with intent to deliver
• One count of possession of heroin (1oz to 1 kilo)
• One count of possession of cocaine (1oz to 1 kilo)
• One count of maintaining a common nuisance
• Four counts of conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substance Act
• Two counts of possession of a firearm while possessing a controlled substance with intent to deliver

On Feb. 3, Canela and Fernandez were arrested after Woonsocket police said they had about 7 kilos of suspected fentanyl in wax paper bundles, 600 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, and roughly 10,000 pills that may have contained fentanyl.

Woonsocket police share this photo of marijuana plants seized, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2023.

Chief Thomas Oates said in February that they also confiscated a kilo press, pill press, other materials used to manufacture illegal drugs, and two semi-automatic guns.

Police said they executed a search warrant at two locations — Mason Street and South Main Street.

Woonsocket police share this photo of marijuana plants seized, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2023.

At the Mason Street home, Oates said a marijuana grow was found in two separate rooms. About 87 marijuana plants were seized.

Police said Canela, 45, and Fernandes, 29, were arrested during a traffic stop after leaving the Mason Street home.

Both men are scheduled to face a Providence Superior Court judge later this week.