Newport Police Department’s Detective Division announced today that it has concluded several high-profile investigations this week, resulting in significant drug seizures and convictions.
In one of the largest cocaine arrests in recent memory, Newport Police Narcotics Detectives, working alongside agents from the Providence office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, apprehended two individuals on Nov. 15. Martin Lopez Rodriguez, 46, and Freddy Almanzar, 18, were taken into custody in Newport with 2 kilograms of cocaine in their possession.
The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at $100,000. Both suspects face charges of delivery of more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and controlled substance conspiracy.
This arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico. The operation highlights the collaborative efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies in combating large-scale drug distribution networks.
In a separate case, Newport Police Narcotics Unit detectives executed search warrants at two residences on Nov. 14, following information about cocaine sales in the city. The searches targeted Glenda Mendez, 48, of 143 Third Street #5A, and Edgardo Torres, 26, of 90 Girard Avenue #66.
During the raids, detectives discovered a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun, two loaded magazines, and 16 grams of cocaine. They also seized $32,750 in cash believed to be connected to drug distribution activities.
Mendez faces charges of possession with intent to sell cocaine and using a firearm when committing a crime of violence. Torres is charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.
The Newport Police Department’s efforts extend beyond drug-related crimes. On Nov. 13, Tyrese Poulsen was convicted of manslaughter for the stabbing death of Maximus Julian on June 3, 2021. Following a thorough investigation by Newport Police Detectives, Poulsen was arrested and subsequently sentenced to serve 30 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions.
The department’s press release emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation, as demonstrated by the joint operation with the DEA. Such collaborations enable law enforcement to tackle complex, cross-jurisdictional criminal networks more effectively.
The full press release from Newport Police Department;
This week, the Newport Police Department Detective Division wrapped up several investigations:
- Tyrese Poulsen was convicted of manslaughter on 11/13/24 for the stabbing death of Maximus Julian on 6/3/21. Newport Police Detectives conducted a thorough investigation resulting in the arrest of Poulsen. Poulsen was sentenced to serve 30 years at the ACI.
- Detectives in the Newport Police Narcotics Unit received information that 48-year-old Glenda Mendez of 143 Third Street #5A and 26-year-old Edgardo Torres of 90 Girard Avenue #66 were engaged in the sale of cocaine in the City of Newport. On 11/14/23, Detectives obtained search warrants for both residences and during the searches, they located a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun, 2 loaded magazines and 16 grams of cocaine. Detectives seized $32,750 in connection with the distribution of the cocaine. Ms. Mendez was charged with possession with intent to sell cocaine and using a firearm when committing a crime of violence. Mr. Torres was charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.
- Originating from an investigation in Newport, Newport Police Narcotics Detectives and agents from the Providence office of the Drug Enforcement Administration have been investigating a drug trafficking organization based out of Puerto Rico. On 11/15/24, 46-year-old Martin Lopez Rodriguez and 18-year-old Freddy Almanzar, were taken into custody in Newport and were in possession of 2 kilograms of cocaine. They were both charged with delivery of more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and controlled substance conspiracy. The street value of the cocaine is estimated at $100,000. This is one of the largest cocaine arrests in recent memory.
