Two Detained, Nearly Six Kilos Of Heroin Seized In Rhode Island
FEB 15 - PROVIDENCE, R.I. - An investigation into the trafficking of heroin in Rhode Island has resulted in the seizure of nearly six kilograms of heroin, allegedly brought to Rhode Island from New York, and the arrest of two individuals, announced Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA New England Field Division; United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James J. Mendonca; and Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist.
Yesterday Yesid Antonio Simanca-Pena, 40, of Central Falls, and Luis Mercado, 45, address unknown, were ordered detained in federal custody by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan on federal criminal complaints charging each with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and one count of possession with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
It is alleged that prior to February 13, 2017, a person assisting DEA was in negotiations with Mercado and Simanca-Pena to be provided with five kilograms of heroin. These negotiations led to a late afternoon meeting on Monday, February 13, at Simanca-Pena’s Central Falls residence. Shortly after the person assisting DEA arrived by vehicle at the residence, it is alleged that Simanca-Pena placed one kilogram of heroin on the floor of the vehicle. Simanca-Pena was immediately taken into custody and the heroin was seized by DEA agents. Soon after, DEA Special Agents, DEA Task Force agents, Central Falls Police, and Cranston Police executed a court authorized search of Simanca-Pena’s residence where they arrested Mercado and seized in excess of an additional four kilograms of heroin.
