The Newport Police Department’s Detective Division announced today that it has completed several major investigations this week that have resulted in significant drug seizures and convictions.

In one of the largest cocaine busts in recent memory, Newport police narcotics detectives, working alongside agents from the Providence office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested two people on November 15th. Martin Lopez Rodriguez, 46, and Freddy Almanzar, 18, were arrested in Newport with 2 kilograms of cocaine in their possession.

The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at $100,000. Both suspects are charged with delivery of more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.

This arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico. The operation highlights the collaborative efforts of local and federal law enforcement agencies in combating large-scale drug distribution networks.

In a separate case, Newport police narcotics unit detectives executed search warrants at two homes on Nov. 14 following reports of cocaine sales in the city. The searches targeted Glenda Mendez, 48, of 143 Third Street #5A, and Edgardo Torres, 26, of 90 Girard Avenue #66.

During the raids, detectives discovered a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun, two loaded magazines and 16 grams of cocaine. They also seized $32,750 in cash believed to be related to drug distribution activities.

Mendez faces charges of possession with intent to sell cocaine and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. Torres is charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.

The Newport Police Department’s efforts extend beyond drug-related crimes. On November 13, Tyrese Poulsen was convicted of manslaughter in the stabbing death of Maximus Julian on June 3, 2021. Following a thorough investigation by Newport police detectives, Poulsen was arrested and later sentenced to 30 years in the institutions correction for adults.

The department’s press release emphasizes the importance of interagency cooperation, as demonstrated by the joint operation with the DEA. Such collaborations allow law enforcement authorities to more effectively tackle complex, cross-jurisdictional criminal networks.

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Full Newport Police Department Press Release;

This week, the Newport Police Department’s Detective Division completed several investigations:

• Tyrese Poulsen was convicted of manslaughter on 11/13/24 for the stabbing death of Maximus Julian on 6/3/21. Newport police detectives conducted a thorough investigation that led to Poulsen’s arrest. Poulsen was sentenced to 30 years in ACI.
• Detectives from the Newport Police Narcotics Unit received information that Glenda Mendez, 48, of 143 Third Street #5A, and Edgardo Torres, 26, of 90 Girard Avenue #66, were engaged in selling cocaine in the city of Newport. On 11/14/23, detectives obtained search warrants for both residences, and during the searches they found a Sig Sauer 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, 2 loaded magazines and 16 grams of cocaine. Detectives seized $32,750 in connection with the distribution of cocaine. Ms. Mendez was charged with possession with intent to sell cocaine and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. Mr. Torres was charged with possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.
• Stemming from an investigation in Newport, Newport police narcotics detectives and agents from the Providence office of the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico. On 11/15/24, Martin Lopez Rodriguez, 46, and Freddy Almanzar, 18, were taken into custody in Newport and were in possession of 2 kilograms of cocaine. Both were charged with delivery of more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance. The street value of the cocaine is estimated at $100,000. This is one of the largest cocaine busts in recent memory.