Alfredo Balestier-Sanchez, Fentanyl Distribution, Rhode Island 2014

Alfredo Balestier-Sanchez, a 32-year-old Woonsocket resident, has been ordered detained in connection with charges of fentanyl and heroin trafficking. Sanchez, also known as Negro, was arrested on Tuesday evening by Woonsocket Police Department and the RI DEA Drug Task Force following a one-month investigation.

According to investigators, Sanchez allegedly sold fentanyl on at least three occasions to a person cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation, which was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas S. Carey, and John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England field division, revealed that Sanchez was selling fentanyl between February 12 and February 20, 2014.

During the investigation, investigators seized four packets of fentanyl stashed inside a deodorant tube and items used in the packaging and distribution of fentanyl and heroin from Sanchez’s Woonsocket residence. One of the packets allegedly purchased from Sanchez also tested positive for the presence of heroin.

The charges against Sanchez include three counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of distribution of heroin. If convicted, Sanchez faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison followed by between 3 years and lifetime supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each charge.

The DEA Drug Task Force, which is comprised of law enforcement agents and officers from the DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and the Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, and Woonsocket Police Departments, assisted in the investigation and arrest of Sanchez.

Sanchez is currently being held without bail. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela E. Chin. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 401-709-5357 or .

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