Woonsocket man charged with drug trafficking, gun possession

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha said Wednesday that a Woonsocket man was charged with multiple drug trafficking and firearms offenses stemming from his arrest in October 2022.

Emanuel Martinez was charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, one count of possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and three counts of possession of a firearm while possessing with intent to deliver cocaine and/or marijuana.

Neronha said that the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force began investigating 23-year-old Martinez between August and October of last year.

The task force executed a warrant on Martinez’s residence on Oct. 28, arrested him, and allegedly found quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, as well as a Glock 33 .357 caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus .38 caliber revolver, and additional pistol magazines and ammunition.

Neronha said the accused also alerted authorities to three more firearms he owned, which were located at his mother’s apartment.

Martinez is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference on Sept. 13.