Feds: Drug trafficking ring busted
FBI, DEA make arrests in alleged international drug running operation with ties to city
WOONSOCKET – Rhode Island and federal law enforcement agencies have broken up an alleged heroin and cocaine trafficking ring that ran a distribution trail from Mexico to New England with outlets in Rhode Island and here in the city.
At least a dozen male suspects and two women are reported to have been arrested during the execution of warrants starting Monday night, related to an investigation that has been ongoing since September 2016, according to Jim Martin, a spokesman for acting U.S. Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch.
The investigation was conducted as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force anti international drug trafficking efforts, according to Martin, and included the execution of warrants in three states.
“Everyone brought in was trans- ported to Rhode Island because this is a Rhode Island case,” Martin said.
The arrests included some made at a location in Rhode Island this week, but Martin could not provide details on that aspect of the case, indicating more information would be made available today.
Woonsocket Police, members of the FBI and federal DEA were reported to have been at a Burnside Avenue residence this week but it could not be determined which, if any, arrests were made from the location or if contraband was seized there. Spokespersons from several law enforcement agencies also indicated more information on the investigation would be made available today.
Several of those reported to have been arrested on the warrants were brought before Federal Magistrate Lincoln Almond at the U.S. District Court in Providence, according to Martin. An FBI affidavit outlining some aspects of the trafficking ring’s alleged criminal activities was filed with Almond by prosecutors.
Hector Valdez and Claudio Valdez were identified during the proceedings as heading the ring importing heroin and cocaine from Mexico to the New England distribution points.
The pair is charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs – heroin and
cocaine – as well as unlawful use of cell phones while committing drug trafficking crimes. The trafficking operation kingpins are alleged to have been in the United States illegally after being deported and then re-entering the country.
The two men, described as having criminal records, are being held at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls pending further court hearings.
The affidavit lists associates of Hector Valdez and Claudio Valdez as aiding in the distribution of drugs from Hartford, Conn., conducting the processing of contraband drugs for street sales and also transporting money and drugs for the illicit operation.