Rhode Island Fentanyl Kingpin ‘Bam Bam’ Charged

PROVIDENCE – In a major blow to the state’s opioid epidemic, a year-long investigation into fentanyl trafficking and firearms offenses has led to the indictment of seven individuals, including a notorious Rhode Island fentanyl kingpin, authorities announced today.

According to court documents, Jose Rodriguez Morales, aka ‘Bam Bam,’ 28, of Providence, allegedly arranged for the sale and delivery of at least 700 grams of fentanyl pills, 104 grams of fentanyl powder, 96 grams of cocaine, and seven firearms, including an AR-15, two semi-automatic handguns, three handguns, and a Glock switch, between September 11, 2024, and April 30, 2025.

The investigation, led by the FBI Safe Street Task Force and a multitude of law enforcement partners, included the execution of multiple search warrants in Providence and Central Falls on June 12, 2025. A 13-count indictment returned on June 11, 2025, and unsealed today charges Morales with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, unlawful possession of a machinegun, unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful dealing in firearms.

Morales was arrested on June 12, 2025, and ordered detained in federal custody. His brothers, Iven Rodriguez Morales, 30, of Central Falls, and Bryan Pacheco Morales, 23, of Central Falls, were also charged in connection with the investigation. Iven Morales is accused of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and unlawful possession of a firearm, while Bryan Morales faces charges of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Additionally, the investigation led to the return of an indictment charging Christian Carrion, 32, of Pawtucket, with distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that Carrion sold fentanyl-laced pills to another person on at least two occasions, totaling 60 grams of fentanyl.

The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that targets transnational criminal organizations and violent crime. A federal indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.