R.I. State Police arrest three on weapons, narcotics charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)– The Rhode Island State Police announced three arrests today in relation to a months-long investigation into an organized criminal group operating in the Providence area.

Wilson Ventura, 38, Myishia Johnson, 38, and Algelys Ventura, 40, all of Providence, were arrested on Friday and charged with multiple weapons and narcotics charges.

Allegedly, the organization that Johnson and both Venturas were part of operated an “illegally established rental vehicle scheme” to facilitate violent firearms-related offenses and narcotics trafficking.

Officers also seized four illegal firearms, which had a “considerable amount” of ammunition, in addition to approximately $25,000 and over five hundred grams of cocaine and xylazine, a non-opioid narcotic which produces similar effects to those of fentanyl.

All three suspects were arraigned at 6th Division District Court in Providence where they were held without bail.

R.I. State Police say that the investigation into the group is ongoing and more arrests are expected as a result of the investigation.