Local woman in federal custody after major fentanyl, heroin seizure

PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman has been ordered detained in federal custody by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond after federal agents seized from her home nearly 200 grams of fentanyl and nearly 2 kilograms of a substance consistent in appearance with heroin.

Marleni Difo, 26, was ordered detained on a federal criminal complaint charging her with possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.

On Friday, DEA and Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force agents executed a court-authorized search of Difo’s residence, and seized nearly 200 grams of fentanyl, cutting agents, four digital scales, gloves and masks, and other items used in the packaging and distribution of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced products.

Additionally, agents seized nearly 2 kilograms of a brown material consistent in appearance with heroin. DEA safety protocols encourage agents not to handle materials found in close proximity to fentanyl. Consequently, the brown material has not been field-tested. Analysis of that material will be conducted by DEA’s forensic laboratory.