Newport police seize $100,000 worth of cocaine in major drug bust

The Newport Police Department’s Detective Division announced today that it has completed several high-profile investigations this week, which have resulted in significant drug seizures and convictions.

In one of the largest cocaine busts in recent history, Newport Police Narcotics Detectives, working with agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Providence office, arrested two individuals on November 15. Martin Lopez Rodriguez, 46, and Freddy Almanzar, 18, were arrested. taken into custody in Newport with 2 kilos of cocaine in their possession.

The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at $100,000. Both suspects are charged with delivery of more than 1 kilo of cocaine and conspiracy to commit controlled substances.

This arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico. The operation highlights the joint efforts of local and federal law enforcement agencies in combating large-scale drug distribution networks.

In a separate case, detectives from the Newport Police Narcotics Unit executed search warrants at two homes on November 14, following information about cocaine sales in the city. The searches targeted Glenda Mendez, 48, of 143 Third Street #5A, and Edgardo Torres, 26, of 90 Girard Avenue #66.

During the raids, detectives discovered a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol, two loaded magazines and 16 grams of cocaine. They also seized $32,750 in cash believed to be related to drug distribution activities.

Mendez is charged with possession with intent to sell cocaine and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Torres is charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.

The Newport Police Department’s efforts extend beyond drug-related crimes. On November 13, Tyrese Poulsen was convicted of manslaughter for the stabbing death of Maximus Julian on June 3, 2021. After a thorough investigation by Newport Police Department detectives, Poulsen was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in adult prison.

The department’s press release emphasizes the importance of interagency cooperation, as evidenced by the joint operation with the DEA. Such collaborations enable law enforcement to more effectively tackle complex, cross-jurisdictional criminal networks.

The full press release from the Newport Police Department;

This week, the Newport Police Department’s Detective Division completed several investigations:

• Tyrese Poulsen was convicted on 13-11-24 of manslaughter for the stabbing of Maximus Julian on 3-6-21. Newport Police Department detectives conducted a thorough investigation, resulting in Poulsen’s arrest. Poulsen was sentenced to 30 years in the ACI.
• Detectives from the Newport Police Narcotics Unit received information that 48 year old Glenda Mendez of 143 Third Street #5A and 26 year old Edgardo Torres of 90 Girard Avenue #66 were involved in the sale of cocaine in the City of Newport. On 11/14/23, detectives obtained search warrants for both residences and during the searches they located a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun, 2 loaded magazines, and 16 grams of cocaine. Detectives seized $32,750 in connection with the distribution of the cocaine. Ms. Mendez was charged with possession with intent to sell cocaine and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. Mr. Torres was charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.
• Originating from an investigation in Newport, narcotics detectives from the Newport Police and agents from the Providence office of the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico. On 11/15/24, 46 year old Martin Lopez Rodriguez and 18 year old Freddy Almanzar were taken into custody in Newport and found to be in possession of 2 kilos of cocaine. They were both charged with delivery of more than 1 kilo of cocaine and a controlled substance conspiracy. The street value of the cocaine is estimated at $100,000. This is one of the largest cocaine busts in recent history.