Providence drug investigation leads to cocaine seizure and arrests

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Three people are facing charges after a months-long drug investigation led to the seizure of more than four kilograms of suspected cocaine, along with cash, firearms and other evidence, authorities said Tuesday.

According to investigators, the operation involved the Providence Police Department and Rhode Island State Police. The investigation ran from January through May and focused on suspected drug trafficking activity.

On May 19, officers executed search warrants in Providence, East Providence and Warwick. During the operation, police allege Deric Hazard attempted to flee in a vehicle. Investigators said he struck several cars before crashing near Flora Street and Branch Avenue.

Police said roughly 1,728.67 grams of cocaine were recovered from the vehicle. Investigators seized more than 4.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine overall from the investigation, including several kilogram-sized bundles.

Authorities also recovered a .25-caliber firearm, about $5,203 in cash, digital scales containing suspected narcotics residue and vacuum-sealing equipment believed to be connected to drug distribution. Police also found packaging materials, drug ledgers containing names and monetary amounts, multiple cell phones and jewelry believed to be tied to narcotics proceeds. A 2019 Nissan Altima was also seized pending forfeiture proceedings.

Police arrested Deric Hazard, 54, Lazar Hazard, 43, and Jose Melendez, 56, during the investigation. Authorities said Deric Hazard and Melendez were each charged with possession of between one and five kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and conspiracy. Lazar Hazard was charged with possession of a firearm following a prior conviction for a violent crime.

Police said Deric Hazard also faces additional charges tied to the alleged attempt to flee. Those charges include two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, reckless eluding and other charges related to the crash. Authorities said he was on parole for first-degree murder at the time of his arrest.

The three men were arraigned in Providence District Court. Deric Hazard and Melendez were held without bail. Lazar Hazard was released on $10,000 bond under the condition that he surrender all firearms.