State Police record one of the largest single-day drug busts in Rhode Island history

Ryan Medeiros,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island State Police had a record day last week, recording one of the largest single-day drug busts in state history.

The State Police HIDTA Task Force made five separate arrests on Thursday, Feb. 15, seizing weapons and narcotics at locations in Providence, Johnston, Smithfield, and Warwick.

Officials say, in total, the HIDTA Task Force seized the following narcotics:

  • 33 kilograms of fentanyl
  • 4.5 kilograms of cocaine
  • 3.3 kilograms of Methamphetamine
  • 170 grams of Heroin
  • 17 pounds of Marijuana

The Task Force also seized five illegal firearms and ammunition, along with drug distribution materials and a large sum of cash.

Officials say the following individuals were arrested and charged:

  • Justin Bernard, 29, of Warwick
  • Nelson Castro, 25, of Johnston
  • Daniel Douangmala, 35, of Woonsocket
  • Jhogel Florentino, 30, of Providence
  • Fredy Montilla, 41, of Warwick

All five were arraigned on Friday, Feb. 16, and held without bail.

State Police say they were assisted by members of the Detective Bureau, Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“I want to commend our detectives and law enforcement partners for their great work on these investigations,” said Darnell Weaver, Superintendent of Rhode Island State Police. “As a result of their outstanding work, we took a tremendous amount of deadly narcotics off the street and seized illegal guns.”

Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island, Warwick, Woonsocket

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