Teamwork Pays Off: Law Enforcement Stops Large Scale Fentanyl Distribution Ring

In another recent press release, the City of East Providence announced last week that they stopped a large scale Fentanyl Distribution Ring.

In April 2019, members of the East Providence Police Dept.’s Vice Unit were in contact with the Massachusetts State Police and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office regarding a large scale fentanyl distribution ring operating in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter, the East Providence Police Vice Unit opened an investigation and were able to identify locations in East Providence and Providence where large quantities of fentanyl were being processed, sold and/or stored.

In May 2019, the Vice Unit teamed up with the Providence Police Dept.’s Intelligence and Organized-Crime Bureau establishing surveillance teams throughout East Providence and Providence. With the information obtained, search warrants were applied for and granted.

On June 4, 2019, at approximately 10 p.m. search warrants were executed at 32 Burnside St., Providence, 229 Alabama Ave., Providence and on RI Reg. BX-177, a 2016 Honda Accord. As a result, officers located and seized a large amount of suspected narcotics, cash and paraphernalia.

SEIZED:

• Approximately 3 kilograms of suspected fentanyl (value wholesale $50,000 per/kilo)
• 6.4 grams of suspected fentanyl pills
• 15 grams of suspected cocaine
• $59,326
• Kilo press
• Several cell phones
• 2016 Honda Accord (two after-market compartments)

ARRESTED:

Andrew Savinon, 29, of 229 Alabama Ave. Providence, RI and charged with Manufacturing/Possession/Delivery Schedule I/II

Lorenzo Rivas, 23, of 1478 Broad St. Providence, RI and charged with Manufacturing/Possession/Delivery Schedule I/II

Erick D. Gutierrez-Polanco, 23, of 54 Mitchell St. Providence, RI and charged with Manufacturing/Possession/Delivery Schedule I/II