Traffic Stop Yields Cranston Police 1,000 Oxycontin Pills

Two men are facing felony drug charges and Cranston police seized $40,000 worth of Oxycontin pills following a traffic stop in the city on Thursday.

Cranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist said that 1,000 Oxycontin pills were seized along with six other assorted pills and a knife with a blade longer than three inches.

Arrested were Hagop Saribekian, 41, of 322 Veazie St., Providence; and Juan Hazard, 39, of 133 Dunedin St., Apt. 1, Cranston.

Saribekian was arraigned in Third Division District Court on charges of possession of a schedule II narcotic with intent to deliver, possession of a schedule II narcotic and possession of a schedule III narcotic. He was ordered held without bail.

Hazard was charged with possession of a schedule II narcotic with intent to deliver and weapons law violations. Bail was set at $10,000 with surety.

Winquist emphasized the role that prescription opioids play in fueling the ongoing addiction and overdose epidemic that has devastated thousands of Rhode Island families. Every night, responders are heading out on call after call for overdoses and police officers have seen people from all walks of life slide into addiction. Many got on the path with prescription painkillers, which cost more than heroin and is often harder to get.

“Arrests such as these are critical in removing the illicit supply of prescription narcotics responsible for fueling opioid addictions and contributing the continual spike in overdose deaths in our cities and towns,” the chief said. “ We will continue to focus our efforts on arresting those who choose to profit from this illegal activity while ignoring the pain and suffering they cause to society.”

Photo: Hagop Saribekian, at left and Juan Hazard, at right, were arrested by Cranston police for possessing 1,000 Oxycontin pills on Thursday following a traffic stop. (Photo Courtesy Cranston Police Department)