RI State Police arrest 7, seize 4.5 kilos of drugs, 3 firearms

Seven people were arrested following a large drug and gun investigation led by the Rhode Island State Police.

The investigation was carried out by the State Police HIDTA Task Force with help from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Search warrants were served in Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket, and Barrington. Authorities said the operation focused on members of the “Bucket West” street gang, which is believed to be involved in violent crime and drug trafficking.

During the searches, officers seized three firearms. Police said one gun was reported stolen and another had a defaced serial number. Large amounts of ammunition and several extended magazines were also recovered, including a 50-round drum magazine. Investigators also seized about 4.5 kilograms of marijuana, along with MDMA, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and drug packaging materials.

Police said those arrested face multiple drug and firearms charges, including possession of weapons by prohibited persons and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. One of the suspects, Ebrima Jatta, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Pawtucket Police Department connected to an armed home invasion investigation.

Those arrested were identified as:

• Larenz Brantley, 22, of Providence
• Addison Brito, 33, of Pawtucket
• Alexander Cardarelli, 26, of Barrington
• Neshion Cook, 21, of Pawtucket
• Mekhi Henderson, 27, of Woonsocket
• Ebrima Jatta, 29, of Pawtucket
• Hassan Jatta, 29, of Pawtucket

State police said the investigation is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt violent street gangs across Rhode Island.