Crime & Safety

$10,000 in Drugs Seized in Weekend Bust

Police seize 140 grams of cocaine, two and a half pounds of marijuana, a handgun and $7,800 in cash after executing two search warrants.

Woonsocket Police broke up an alleged drug operation run from a home and business on Saturday, arresting three city residents, and seizing a handgun and more than $10,000 in narcotics. A witness to the incidents who later returned to the residence, allegedly breaking in to grab the suspect's property, was also arrested. 

At approximately 11:45 a.m., members of the Vice Unit and Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the "Chop Shop" barbershop at 46 Arnold St. and arrested Julio Enrique Oquendo, 38, of 170 Arnold St. and George Michael Cruz-Rivera, 22, of 24 Hope St. Oquendo is being charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver (1 oz to 1 kilo,) possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and controlled substance conspiracy. Cruz-Rivera is being charged with possession of marijuana.

Police simultaneously executed a search warrant at Oquendo's home, arresting resident Samantha Violet Fortune, 20, along with Robert Lewis Morris, 43, of 158 South Main St. Fortune was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver (1 oz. to 1 kilo) possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and controlled substance conspiracy. Morris was arrested several hours later and charged with breaking and entering after it was reported an individual had entered the home. Morris was reportedly found inside the apartment in possession of several pieces of Fortune's jewelry and cell phone.

Find out what's happening in Woonsocketwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to a press release on the matter, the search warrants were the result of a long term investigation involving the sale and distribution of narcotics from both a business and a residence. Items seized during the incidents included approximately 140 grams of powder and crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $7,000, two and a half pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $3,000, a large caliber handgun and $7,800 in US currency.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.