Providence police arrest two, seize nearly 9 kilos of fentanyl in drug bust
(WJAR) — The Providence Police Department arrested two individuals as part of a significant drug bust, they claim is helping to save lives.
"What was going to be hitting the street we estimated between $1.5 and $2 million," said Capt. Roger Aspinall. "We look at that taking any amount of fentanyl off the street is clearly going to help us save lives and cut down the overdoses."
In a press conference on Tuesday, the department said police arrested Eusebio Nunez Tejeda and Albertina Pena Terrero for their connection to a significant drug trafficking ring.
Investigators worked with Homeland Security and the United States Postal Service to track a package they believed contained copious amounts of illegal drugs. The package was red flagged and a surveillance team waited for it to be delivered to the home.
"When the resident responded outside to retrieve that package, she was detained and the house was secured," said Aspinall.
The department executed a search warrant at 6971 Bellevue Avenue on Thursday, Jan. 26, which yielded a large drug haul.
The house is down the street from Alfred Lima Elementary School and Charles N. Fortes Elementary School.
Investigators found:
- 8.75 kilograms of fentanyl.
- 2.9 kilograms of cocaine.
- A .357 Smith & Wesson Revolver.
Tejeda and Terrero face numerous charges:
- Possession of more than 1 kilogram of cocaine.
- Keeping a common nuisance.
- Unlawfully distributing within 300 yards of school grounds.
- Possession of more than 1 kilo of fentanyl.
- Two counts of conspiracy.
A third person was also linked to this case, he was identified as Juan Martinez.
Police said Martinez is the target of the investigation. He was already in custody in New Jersey.
"We are drawing up an arrest warrant for him at this time and will charge him," said Aspinall.
NBC 10's Leanna Faulk contributed to this report.