Thealeah Duopu, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Rhode Island 2024

Providence, Rhode Island – In a major blow to the city’s illicit drug trade, Thealeah Duopu, 39, of Providence, was ordered detained in federal custody today following an initial appearance in federal court in Providence on charges of trafficking crack cocaine, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for using the firearm in furtherance of his alleged drug trafficking activities.

The charges against Duopu stem from a nearly month-long investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Task Force, which included several purchases of crack cocaine by an undercover ATF agent from Duopu and a court-authorized search of Duopu’s residence. According to court documents, beginning on October 19, 2015, and continuing until yesterday, an ATF undercover agent allegedly arranged on at least four occasions for the purchase of varying amounts of crack cocaine from Duopu.

The alleged purchases and deliveries ranged from approximately 8 grams on October 20, 2015, to approximately 52 grams on November 3, 2015. Each alleged transaction occurred at an agreed-upon location in a parking lot in Pawtucket. As a result of the alleged undercover purchases of crack cocaine from Duopu, the court-authorized search of his alleged stash house and of his person resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine, a loaded firearm, cash, and items used in the packaging and distribution of crack cocaine.

Law enforcement seized 233.3 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and $20,538 in cash. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Milind M. Shah and Paul F. Daly, Jr. The ATF Task Force consists of agents and officers from ATF; Providence, Cranston, and Central Falls Police Departments; and the Special Investigations Unit at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

According to court records, Duopu was previously convicted in Rhode Island state court on firearm and drug charges. A 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.

Thealeah Duopu, 39, of Providence, was ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan following an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging Duopu with possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine base with intent to distribute, distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, distribution of cocaine base, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

Affected: Providence, Rhode Island. Charges: Possession of 28 grams or more of cocaine base with intent to distribute, distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, distribution of cocaine base, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms. Date: This week. Sentence: Detained in federal custody. Fine or restitution: None.

Law enforcement agencies involved: ATF, Providence, Cranston, and Central Falls Police Departments, and the Special Investigations Unit at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Amounts seized: 233.3 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and $20,538 in cash.

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