Rhode Island man pleads guilty after nearly 3 kilograms of fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder seized

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence man who was found to be in possession of nearly three kilograms of fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder when members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force executed a court-authorized search of his residence in June 2021, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

According to information presented to the court, during an investigation into the trafficking of narcotics in Providence, members of the DEA Drug Task Force learned that 47-year-old Giovanny Toro Gallego was associated with a known drug trafficker. On June 24, 2023, members of the DEA Task Force executed a court-authorized search of Toro Gallego’s residence and seized approximately 2.8 kilograms of fentanyl in the form of pills and powder; two pill presses, designed to manufacture pills containing fentanyl; and punch die for marking pills.

Toro Gallego is scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman

The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of personnel from the DEA; Rhode Island State Police; the Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket, and Amtrak Police Departments.