Providence Resident Detained on Drug Trafficking, Firearm Charges

PROVIDENCE – Sandro Martinez, 41, of Providence, today was ordered detained in federal custody on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Martinez was arrested on Wednesday by members of the Rhode Island Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force following the seizure of more than 650 grams of suspected fentanyl, more than 6 kilograms of a powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, heroin and/or fentanyl, and a loaded firearm.

Martinez’s arrest and the execution of court authorized search warrants on Wednesday at an alleged drug stash house in Cranston, and at Martinez’s residence and business in Providence, follow a 10-month DEA drug task force investigation into Martinez’s alleged drug trafficking activities.

Martinez’s arrest and initial appearance in federal court on charges of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, and felon in possession of a firearm are announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Field Division.

According to court documents, it is alleged that on numerous occasions over the past 10 months individuals assisting the DEA drug task force in their investigation made controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin from Martinez totaling in excess of 100 grams. As a result of these alleged purchases and a significant amount of information gather by law enforcement during the investigation, the court authorized the search of an alleged stash house in Cranston allegedly used by Martinez for his drug trafficking activities, his Providence residence, his Providence business, and two vehicles.

On Wednesday, members of the DEA drug task force, with additional assistance from the Woonsocket, Cranston and Providence Police Departments, executed four of the search warrants. As law enforcement prepared to execute a search of the alleged stash house, agents and officers encountered and detained Martinez outside the building. From his person they allegedly seized nearly 103 grams of suspected fentanyl concealed inside his clothing. From inside the alleged stash house law enforcement seized approximately 6 kilograms of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, and a loaded firearm from inside a hidden compartment in a television stand; and nearly 573 grams of suspected fentanyl from a closet ceiling.

A search of Martinez’s business, residence and an automobile did not result in the seizure of any additional drugs. Law enforcement did discover an empty electronic hidden compartment inside of furniture at Martinez’s residence.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan

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