Keurys Pena, Fentanyl Trafficking, Rhode Island 2022

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – Keurys Pena, a 33-year-old North Providence man, has been ordered detained in federal custody after being charged with trafficking fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

According to court documents, it is alleged that on at least seven occasions between June 9 and October 6, 2022, Keurys Pena sold an individual fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder in quantities that ranged from 1.66 grams to 238.5 grams; and on September 8, 2022, he allegedly sold the same individual a 9mm handgun. It is alleged that, in total, Pena sold the individual 909.4 grams of narcotics for $14,770.

On Tuesday, FBI agents and Providence Police detectives executed court-authorized searches of Pena’s residence and a drug stash house that he allegedly operated in Pawtucket. From the stash house, law enforcement seized over 500 grams of fentanyl in pill and powder form; cutting agents; scales, sifters, and other packaging materials; and parts to a pill press used to make counterfeit narcotics containing fentanyl. Ammunition, an unsecured firearm, and a pill press were allegedly seized from Pena’s residence.

Pena is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey P. Veroni.

According to court records, Keurys Pena has been convicted multiple times in state courts on drug trafficking charges. Additionally, he has been convicted on firearm, assault, domestic assault, forgery, breaking and entering, and assault/escape of an inmate charges.

United States Attorney Cunha, the FBI, and the Providence Police Department thank the North Providence Police Department and the Pawtucket Police Department for their assistance on Tuesday during the execution of the search warrants.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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