Providence Police charging 24 suspected drug dealers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Two dozen drug dealers have been charged by Providence Police. This wasn’t as big as the million dollar heroin bust a few weeks ago, but police say this is just as significant. Police didn’t have a ton of drugs or money to show for this one but they’re calling it a win. All 24 people indicted are street level drug dealers at the core of the city’s drug and violence problem.

“There is a lot of gang involvement and violent crime involvement with the individuals who are contained in this investigation,” says Colonel Hugh Clements with the Providence Police Department.

Unlike the huge heroin bust made a few weeks ago, “Operation Street Sweep” didn’t net a lot of drugs or money but these 24 indictments will go a long way. These people were selling small amounts of crack cocaine in the Downtown and West End area of Providence, fueling the drug and violence problem.

“Although this wasn’t an investigation which yields a lot of drugs and firearms, in my opinion it’s more important in our efforts in fighting the violence and drug activity in the city because it’s street level, it goes on every single day,” says Col. Clements.

Nineteen of the 24 people have been arrested and police have warrants for the other 5. Many of them have checkered pasts.

“About half of these folks have prior convictions or charges for gun offenses. So these are folks who are dangerous, they’re shooters and we got them off the streets,” says Mayor Jorge Elorza.

Colonel Clements says they’re briefed on investigations like this regularly.

The problem also bleeds into other cities and towns. During the investigation police searched a house in North Providence, taking cash and a car.

© WLNE/ABC 6 2018