21 arrested following months-long state police investigation
By: Ellie Romano
Email: ERomano@abc6.com
Twitter: @ERomanoABC6
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - More than 20 suspects have been arrested following a months-long wiretap investigation called "Operation Heat".
According to Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) received authorization from a court to conduct a Title III Wire Intercept investigation.
Over the span of three months, officials intercepted 18,794 calls and SMS messages.
The surveillance led to the arrests of 21 suspects.
"This was a group of very violent individuals," said Colonel James Manni, Superintendent of Rhode Island State Police.
The charges range from drug distribution to assault. Police also found out the group was connected to two recent shootings in the Providence area.
"He was directing a narcotics distribution organization," said Maj. Sanzi.
Police said the group was selling cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
- Two counts of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of discharge of firearm resulting in Injury
- Two counts of possession of a pistol without a license
- Possession of a firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence
- Two counts of using a Firearm While committing a Crime of Violence
- Possession of a stolen motor vehicle
- Three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver-Fentanyl
- Three Counts of possession of a controlled substance 1 ounce to 1 kilo-Fentanyl
- Controlled substance conspiracy
- Conspiracy to sell firearm
- Possession of a firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence
- Two counts of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of discharge of firearm resulting in injury
- Using a firearm while committing a crime of violence
- Two counts of possession of a pistol without a license
- Possession of a pistol without a license
- Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Using a firearm while committing a crime of violence
- Firing in compact area
- Eluding police
- Possession of a firearm after committing a crime of violence
- Possession of a pistol without a license
- Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Using a firearm while committing a crime of violence
- Firing in compact area
- Possession of firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence
- Obstruction of an officer in execution of duty
- Possession of a pistol without a license
- Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Using a firearm while committing a crime of violence
- Firing in compact area
- Possession of a firearm after committing a crime of violence
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance- Cocaine
- Possession of firearms while possessing controlled substance with intent to deliver- Cocaine
- Conspiracy to sell firearm
- Possession of controlled substance in a School Zone
- Resisting Arrest
- Obstruction of an officer in execution of duty
- Five counts of controlled substance conspiracy
- Five counts of soliciting another to commit a crime
- Delivery of a controlled substance – Fentanyl
- Possession of controlled substance 1oz-1kilo- Fentanyl
- Delivery of a controlled substance – Fentanyl
- Three counts of controlled substance conspiracy
- Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance – Fentanyl
- Three counts of soliciting another to commit a crime
- Four counts of controlled substance conspiracy
- Four counts of soliciting another to commit a crime
- Controlled substance conspiracy
- Soliciting another to commit a crime
- Two counts of controlled substance conspiracy
- Soliciting another to commit a crime
- Delivery of a controlled substance - Oxycodone
- Controlled substance conspiracy
- Soliciting another to commit a crime
- Two counts of controlled substance conspiracy
- Two counts of soliciting another to commit a crime
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance – Cocaine
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance – Fentanyl
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance – Oxycodone
- Three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance - Fentanyl
- Three counts of possession with intent to deliver 1oz-1kilo- Fentanyl
- Delivery of a controlled substance – Fentanyl
- Controlled substance conspiracy
- Two counts of controlled substance conspiracy
- Possession of a firearm after committing a crime of violence
- License or permit required for carrying a pistol
- Conspiracy
- Possession of a firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence
- License or permit required for carrying a pistol
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Three counts of simple assault or battery
- Resisting arrest
- Obstructing officer in execution of duty
- Possession with Intent to deliver a controlled substance-Fentanyl
- Possession of a controlled substance 1oz-1kg- Fentanyl
- Distribute of a controlled substance in a school zone
- Carrying a dangerous weapon/substance while committing a crime of violence
- Conspiracy
- Two counts of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of discharge of firearm resulting in injury
- Possession of a pistol without a license
- Using a firearm while committing a crime of violence
- Possession of a firearm after committing a crime of violence
- Possession of a stolen motor vehicle
- Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of discharge of a firearm resulting in injury
- Possession of a pistol without a license
- Possession of a stolen motor vehicle
- License or permit required for carrying a pistol
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Conspiracy
- Using a firearm while committing a crime of violence
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