Providence Police 'Dismantled' 3 Drug Dealing Operations, Arrest 8: Cops

The police said they also seized fentanyl, cocaine, cash and three firearms.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

Apr 23, 2026 2:44 pm EDT

Six of the eight arrested by the Providence Police in an operation targeting drug dealing operations. (Courtesy of the Providence Police Department)

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Providence Police Department Narcotics Bureau "dismantled" three drug dealing outfits operating across the city and beyond, the department said in a media release.

“This was an extraordinarily impactful week for our Narcotics Bureau,” Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said in the release.

“These cases reflect the persistence and coordination of our detectives, who continue to target those responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics in our neighborhoods," Perez said. "Every gram of fentanyl removed from the street represents lives potentially saved.”

Police seized about 473.92 grams of fentanyl, as well as 539.24 grams of cocaine, $8,592 cash, three guns, ammunition, and high-capacity magazines, according to the release.

"Seven adult suspects were arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses, and one juvenile was taken into custody on related charges," the release said.

The first of the three operations hit by police was at the Curtis Arms Apartments on Curtis Street April 13 following a more than three-month investigation, according to the release.

Detectives identified two associates —Joan DeJesus and Rafelin Soto Tejada — as "individuals involved in distributing fentanyl throughout Providence and into Massachusetts," the release said.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the apartments, detaining Soto Tejada and finding a "large quantity of fentanyl" hidden in a recliner where he had been sitting, according to the release.

"DeJesus was simultaneously detained after arriving at the building during the execution of the warrant," the release said.
DeJesus and Soto Tejada were charged with possession with the intent to deliver fentanyl, possession of fentanyl and conspiracy.

"Soto Tejada also faces additional charges including obstruction and identity fraud after initially providing false identifying information to detectives," the release said.

In a parallel investigation, detectives targeted Luis “DiDi” Gonzalez, "who was identified as a distributor of cocaine and MDMA throughout Providence and Cranston," according to the release.

"Through surveillance and controlled purchases, detectives determined that Gonzalez was operating out of multiple locations, including residences on Admiral Street in Providence and Washington Avenue in Cranston," according to the release.

While watching Gonzalez on April 15, police found him traveling with a second man, Jack Baldayac, according to the release.

"Both individuals were stopped and detained, while search warrants were simultaneously executed at both locations," the release said, and cocaine, cash, a loaded Glock, ammunition and more were located and seized, the release said.

"Gonzalez and Baldayac are each facing multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine in excess of one ounce, conspiracy, and several firearm-related offenses, including possession of a firearm while engaged in drug trafficking," the release said.

The third investigation "targeted a coordinated drug distribution network operating across multiple residences in Providence and Warwick," according to the release.

"Over the course of the investigation, detectives conducted controlled purchases and surveillance, identifying Arnardo Valerio, Fredelin Calcano, and Elian Gil Gutierrez as key participants in the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl," the release said.

"Investigators determined that the group utilized multiple residences and vehicles, including what appeared to be a 'stash' location used to store narcotics prior to distribution, according to the release.

On April 16, police executed search warrants "at various locations," according to the release.

"During the operation, detectives observed narcotics being thrown from a window at one location as officers made entry," the release said.

The searches tured up cocaine, fentanyl and nearly $6,000 cash. as well as a .25-caliber Taurus and a 9 mm pistol, according to the release.

"Valerio, Calcano, and Gutierrez were taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and fentanyl, possession of controlled substances in excess of one ounce, conspiracy, and firearm offenses related to drug trafficking," the release said. "A juvenile was also detained and charged separately in connection with this investigation."