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Warwick Man Sentenced to Ruin for Fentanyl Trafficking Ring
A Warwick man has been taken down for his role in a massive fentanyl trafficking operation, authorities announced today.
Preston Quintanilha, 23, of Warwick, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and attempt to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents, the DEA made two controlled purchases of fentanyl-laced pills from Quintanilha in August 2023, as part of a joint federal and local law enforcement investigation into his drug trafficking activities.
On September 28, 2023, law enforcement executed multiple court-authorized search warrants and seized 999 fentanyl-laced pills (107.5 grams), a bag of suspected crack cocaine, and $5,830 in cash from his residence; 1,003 fentanyl-laced pills (109.9 grams) from a Pawtucket apartment he used to store narcotic drugs; and $4,232 in cash from his person, proceeds Quintanilha admitted were from his drug trafficking activities.
Additionally, on April 16, 2024, United States Postal Service employees intercepted a package addressed to Quintanilha to be delivered to a relative’s residence. A certified K-9 dog positively alerted for the presence of a narcotic odor. A court-authorized search of the package revealed 9,998 fentanyl-laced pills (1,085.8 grams). Quintanilha admitted that he had the package shipped to a relative’s house under the guise of it being a gift for his girlfriend.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie White, who will recommend a lengthy sentence for Quintanilha’s crimes.
Quintanilha has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on May 28, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2025.
The matter was investigated by the DEA, Warwick Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
In a statement, Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom said, ‘We will continue to target and dismantle these deadly trafficking operations, bringing those responsible to justice and keeping our communities safe.’
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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