Traffic stop, search warrant at homeless encampment, leads to arrests, over 11 kilos of drugs, cash, seized in Rhode Island

Cranston, R.I. – The Cranston Police Department has conducted several successful enforcement actions leading to significant drug seizures and multiple arrests over the past week.

According to police, on Thursday, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a Patrol Officer working a traffic enforcement detail conducted a traffic stop for a seatbelt violation at the Park Avenue and Reservoir Avenue intersection. Probable cause was established to search the vehicle, and with assistance from the Cranston Police K-9 Unit, officers located a substantial amount of illegal narcotics. 

Seized from a hidden electronic compartment in the vehicle were 11 kilograms of cocaine, 2.2 grams of fentanyl powder, 11 pressed fentanyl pills, 10 ounces of various types of marijuana, and $1,700 in cash (seized for asset forfeiture). This seizure was valued at approximately $385,000.

Officers arrested 21-year-old Teddy Lopez of Cranston, R.I., charging him with Possession of Cocaine (Over 1 KG) with Intent to Deliver, (2) Counts of Possession of Schedule II Narcotics Under 10 Grams, and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver.

On March 19th, after an extensive investigation by the Cranston Police Department Special Investigations Unit regarding illegal narcotics distribution in the city, a search warrant was executed on a tent at a homeless encampment off Plainfield Pike near Route 295. 

As a result of the search, SIU detectives discovered crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, two BB guns, a knife, $443 in cash, and 30 stolen shopping carts from Walmart.

Detectives arrested 40-year-old Donald Iasimone of no permanent address charging him with (2) Counts of Possession of Schedule II Narcotics with Intent to Deliver (Crack Cocaine & Crystal Methamphetamine), (2) Counts of Carrying a Weapon When Committing a Crime of Violence, and Receiving Stolen Goods.

On Thursday, the Cranston Police SIU, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, executed a court-authorized search warrant at 30 Cutting Ave. in Cranston. 

Detectives and agents seized 2,500 pressed fentanyl pills, 16 grams of fentanyl powder, 16.6 grams of pressed methamphetamine pills, 16.6 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, an unidentified powder, and various drug paraphernalia.

The search resulted in the arrest of 27-year-old Jerry Taylor of Cranston, R.I., who was charged with (2) Counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver Schedule II Narcotics (Fentanyl), and (2) Counts of Possession of Schedule I-V Narcotics Over 10 Grams.

Chief of Police Colonel Michael J. Winquist stated, “These enforcement actions send a strong message that illegal drug activity will not be tolerated in Cranston. Our officers remain committed to proactive policing and protecting our residents.” 

The Cranston Police Department encourages residents to report any suspicious activity related to drug distribution by contacting the department. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting keyword CRANSTONPD with your tip to 847411.