Tiverton Couple Charged for Large-Scale Marijuana Distribution

Photo: A building on Bears Den Road used for alleged marijuana distribution.

TIVERTON, RI—A Tiverton man and woman were arrested on marijuana distribution charges on Wednesday for operating a large-scale growing operation in two town locations.

The Rhode Island State Police announced on Thursday that Joshua Berg, 24; and Amanda Ribeiro, 22, both of 69 Beardsworth Road, were arrested by members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force after an investigation.

State Police Superintendent Col. Steven G. O'Donnell said in a news release that HDTA Task Force members, along with members of the Tiverton Police Department, executed search warrants at 69 Beardsworth Road and at a commercial building at 152 Bears Den Road.

O'Donnell said that Berg possesses a medical marijuana caregiver card but was producing marijuana well in excess of the 24 mature plant and five ounce of usable marijuana limit imposed by the state medical marijuana statute.

Investigators seized 70 pounds of marijuana, 21 grams of butane honey oil edibles and 25 mature plants from both locations.

Both Berg and Ribeiro were arraigned in Second Division District Court before Judge Colleen M. Hastings and both were ordered held without bail pending a bail hearing on April 5.

"This is yet another example of someone trying to take advantage of the medical marijuana program that needs revamping," O'Donnell said.

Berg and Ribeiro were both charged with possession with intent to deliver a schedule I controlled substance and possession in excess of five kilograms of a schedule I controlled substance.