Johnston Resident Admits To Trafficking Fentanyl, Heroin

JOHNSTON, RI — Michael Persaud, 30, pleaded guilty to drug charges Monday in Providence federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. He admitted he arranged for the sale and delivery of nearly 22 grams of fentanyl and 2 grams of heroin to an undercover police officer. The drug trafficking happened over 4 ½-months, starting in October 2016.

According to court papers, an undercover East Providence police officer arranged for the first purchase, 1.86 grams of heroin. Between January 11 and March 13, 2017, the undercover officer then made five purchases of fentanyl. The amounts were between 6.9 grams and 2.82 grams. In several instances, the U.S. Attorney's Office said, Persaud used other individuals to assist in the delivery of the drugs. In at least two such instances, Persaud was driven by his girlfriend and mother of three of his children to a designated meeting location to deliver fentanyl to the undercover officer.

On March 30, the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the RI DEA Drug Task Force, raided a Providence residence. They found 44 grams of fentanyl in the house which was being used by one of his children's mother.

Persaud pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count each of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of heroin.

Image via Shutterstock