Alleged drug ring broken up
TOM CONNOLLY, Staff Writer November 05, 2001
WOONSOCKET, RI -- After a two-year investigation, city police working with state and federal authorities have arrested 11 Woonsocket residents allegedly connected with "a large-scale illegal drug operation."
During the investigation, law enforcement officials bought and seized quantities of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and anabolic steroids, according to a release from the Police Department. Police also seized nine cars and nearly $30,000 in cash. The value of the seized drugs was not available.
The arrests took place at different times dating back to March of this year, culminating with eight arrests over the past two weeks.
Six of the 11 people -- Robert O. Robinson, 19, Kim Robinson, 35, Derrick S. Abney, 18, Eric G. Abney, 18, Jermaine A. Wynkoop, 23, and Tina Nantais, 38, -- were arrested last week; two others, Ishmael Arroyo, 19, and Shaun Reilly, 32, were arrested the week before.
The other three arrests -- Orlando "Marvin" Robinson, 39, Steven Thibault, 23, and Meghan McCabe, 22, -- took place at various times before the more recent arrests.
Police said several more arrests are expected.
"Most of them were born and brought up here (in Woonsocket," said Deputy Police Chief William Shea. "How long they've actually been dealing? We know at least two years."
Those arrested face an assortment of charges, including possession, delivery and conspiracy to deliver illegal narcotics.
The Police Department's vice unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDA) task force worked cooperatively on the investigation.
According to Shea, detectives at the Police Department first identified the operation through information they had received and through surveillance.
After awhile, he said, it became evident that the operation was larger than they had first realized and DEA in Providence was contacted.
Shea said some of the people involved were already known to state and federal authorities, who offered additional equipment and manpower.
"(The level of cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement) surprised a lot of us that have been on the force for a while," Shea said. "It was tremendous. We look forward to a future where we can do this more often."
Robert and Kim Robinson are currently in federal custody; Nantais posted $5,000 cash bail; and all other suspects are being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston.
All assets seized during the investigation are being held pending a court forfeiture hearing.
