Fentanyl Trafficker De La Rosa Hid in Closet

PROVIDENCE, RI – Stanli S. Arias De La Rosa, a 30-year-old Providence man, pleaded guilty in federal court today to a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

According to charging documents and information provided to the court, on March 10, 2023, during a court-authorized search of a Providence apartment, DEA Rhode Island Drug Task Force agents discovered De La Rosa hiding in a closet as they seized 454.9 grams of fentanyl; 43 grams of cocaine; 14.5 grams of crack cocaine; and assorted items used in the packaging and distribution of drugs.

At the time of his arrest, De La Rosa was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued in York, Nebraska, related to his alleged failure to appear for court hearings in connection with a September 30, 2022, arrest for possession of cocaine. In that matter, it is alleged that De La Rosa was driving a vehicle that was pulled over for a traffic stop and found to contain 10 kilograms of cocaine stored in the trunk.

The recent discovery in Rhode Island has left many wondering how De La Rosa managed to evade law enforcement while facing charges in Nebraska. “It’s clear that De La Rosa is a calculated and cunning individual,” said one source close to the investigation. “He’s been able to evade capture for far too long, but today’s guilty plea brings him one step closer to accountability.”

De La Rosa is scheduled to be sentenced on September 24, 2024. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine D. Lowell.

As the investigation continues to unfold, it’s clear that De La Rosa’s actions have put countless lives at risk. “Fentanyl trafficking is a deadly business, and De La Rosa’s actions have only served to exacerbate the crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha. “Today’s guilty plea is a significant step towards holding him accountable for his crimes.”

In light of De La Rosa’s guilty plea, the community is left to wonder what led him down the path of crime. “It’s a sad reality that too many young people are being lured into the world of crime,” said a local community leader. “We need to do more to support our youth and provide them with opportunities for success.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA Rhode Island Drug Task Force are committed to disrupting the flow of illicit substances into our communities. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Cunha.

As the sentencing date approaches, the community remains vigilant, knowing that justice is on the horizon for Stanli S. Arias De La Rosa.