PROVIDENCE, RI- Mayor Jorge Elorza, Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré, Commander Thomas F. Oates III and members of the police department today announced the arrest of 15 men and women in an undercover sting operation.
This operation took place over a two month period in an effort to combat street level drug dealing in Kennedy Plaza and the surrounding downtown area. Providence Police Narcotics Bureau Detectives, with information from a confidential source, were able to facilitate a number of controlled purchases from dealers that frequent the Kennedy Plaza area.
“I commend the work of the Providence Police Narcotics Bureau Detectives and our public safety officials here in Providence who worked tirelessly to make this announcement possible,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “This operation sends a message that these crimes will not be tolerated here in Providence and the Providence Police will continue to work to identify and arrest individuals selling drugs or bringing drugs into our capital city.”
The operation showed that many of these individuals would come into the city early in the morning from various cities and towns in the state to sell drugs in the area. Drugs sold included Klonopin, Xanax, Clonazapam, Amphetamine and Cocaine. All subjects were charged with Unlawful Delivery, a felony, and held for court.
“I commend our officers on their continued dedication to rid Kennedy Plaza of this epidemic that plagues urban cities across the nation,” said Colonel Clements. “Putting an end to this open air narcotics trafficking operation will help achieve our goal to maintain a drug free atmosphere in this area so that citizens and visitors can enjoy everything that our vibrant downtown area has to offer.”