Rhode Island man on probation for previous drug conviction arrested after 3 kilos of methamphetamine seized

A Rhode Island man on probation for a previous drug conviction has been arrested after police seized a large quantity of methamphetamine and other drugs.

The Rhode Island State Police Friday announced the arrest of 43-year-old Manuel A. Coradin of Cranston for narcotics and weapons offenses stemming from a joint investigation between the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Cranston Police Department Special Investigations Unit.

“This investigation is a great example of the excellent collaboration and coordination we have in Rhode Island’s law enforcement community,” said Captain Peter Chabot, Assistant Detective Commander, Rhode Island State Police. “We are especially pleased that this effort led to a significant arrest and will keep these drugs off of our streets.”

“Removing deadly drugs and firearms from our streets is a victory for law enforcement and translates into safer communities,” said Colonel Michael Winquist, Chief of Cranston Police. “This investigation also underscores the value of partnerships and the commitment of Officers and Troopers who make this work their highest priority. I commend them for their diligence on this case which led to a successful outcome.”

The Rhode Island State Police/High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Cranston Police Department Special Investigations Unit initiated an investigation into an individual who was allegedly involved in the distribution and sales of narcotics in the greater Providence area. A court authorized search warrant was obtained for a residence located in Cranston and was executed by members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Cranston Police Department Special Investigations Unit. As a result of the investigation, 3.45 kilograms of methamphetamine pills/tablets, 264.50 grams of cocaine, 25.60 grams of fentanyl pills/tablets, $13,260 in cash, one Taurus G3 9mm pistol, one sixteen round large capacity magazine containing an undetermined amount of 9mm ammunition, two vehicles, and scales and packaging material used in the distribution of illegal narcotics were seized.

Coradin was arrested and charged with Possession With the Intent to Deliver in Excess of 1 Kilogram of a Schedule I Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Possession with the Intent to Deliver 1 oz- 1 kilogram of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – Cocaine, Possession With the Intent to Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance – Cocaine, Possession With the Intent to Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance – Fentanyl, Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons Prohibited, Possession of a Firearm When Committing a Controlled Substance Violation, and Large Capacity Feeding Device(s) Prohibited.

According to police, at the time of his arrest, Coradin was found to be on federal probation/supervised release stemming from a previous narcotics distribution conviction. Coradin was arraigned at Third Division District Court and after his appearance he was held without bail.

A person found guilty of Possession with the Intent to Deliver in Excess of 1 Kilogram of a Schedule I Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine may be subject to a fine of not more than one million dollars or imprisoned for a term up to life.

A person found guilty of Possession with the Intent to Deliver 1 Ounce – 1 Kilogram of a Schedule II Controlled Substance – Cocaine may be imprisoned for not more than thirty years or fined not more than one hundred thousand dollars nor less than three thousand dollars, or both.

A person found guilty of Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Schedule I/II Controlled Substance upon conviction, may be imprisoned to a term up to life or fined not more than five hundred thousand dollars nor less than ten thousand dollars, or both.

A person found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons Prohibited shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two nor more than ten years.

A person found guilty of Possession of a Firearm When Committing a Controlled Substance Violation shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than ten years, or by a fine up to ten thousand dollars, or both.

A person found guilty of Large Capacity Feeding Devices Prohibited shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than five years, or by a fine of up to five thousand dollars, and the large capacity feeding device shall be subject to forfeiture.

The HIDTA Task Force is managed by the Rhode Island State Police. It is comprised of members from the Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, North Providence Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Narragansett Police Department and Rhode Island National Guard.