News Release
U.S. Department of Justice
Peter F. Neronha
United States Attorney
District of Rhode Island

May 5, 2010

THREE PLEAD GUILTY TO TRAFFICKING HEROIN FROM INDIA
                                   

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Three individuals pled guilty in U.S. District Court this week to trafficking large quantities of heroin shipped from India; it was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha. An indictment and arrest warrant has been issued for a fourth person.

Federal law enforcement agents intercepted packages containing large quantities of heroin bound for Rhode Island at the Cincinnati/Kentucky Airport and the International Mail Branch of JFK Airport in New York in October 2009. The packages, containing 338.1 grams of heroin and 391 grams of heroin respectively, were addressed to Providence addresses. Undercover agents posing as deliverymen completed delivery of the packages, and continued investigations which resulted in charges against the defendants.

Ebony Gray, 30, of Providence, R.I., pled guilty Monday, and Adriana Dasilva, 27, of Providence, R.I. pled guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to possess more than 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute, a crime punishable by 5–40 years federal imprisonment. Baker Alli, 50, of Fall River, Mass., pled guilty Tuesday to one count each of conspiracy to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute and the distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin. Each count is punishable by 5–40 years federal imprisonment.

U.S District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi accepted the defendants’ guilty pleas.

Tajuden Alaje, a Nigerian National last known to be living in Providence, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count each of conspiracy to possess and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute and the distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin. Alaje is a fugitive whose whereabouts are unknown.

The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), DEA, ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Postal Service Inspectors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adi K. Goldstein.