East Providence Police arrest Pawtucket man allegedly dealing 'crack' in city

Suspect is being held on multiple drug, firearms charges

By Mike Rego
Posted 10/3/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police recently arrested a Pawtucket man for allegedly dealing “crack” cocaine at a city housing complex.

EPPD Vice Unit Detective Sergeant Diogo Mello …

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East Providence Police arrest Pawtucket man allegedly dealing 'crack' in city

Suspect is being held on multiple drug, firearms charges

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police recently arrested a Pawtucket man for allegedly dealing “crack” cocaine at a city housing complex.

EPPD Vice Unit Detective Sergeant Diogo Mello reported the apprehension of Ronald Bliss, 36 and of 17 Lincoln Ave., late in September.

According to Sgt. Mello’s case notes, the Vice Unit concluded a “months-long” investigation by gaining a search warrant for Mr. Bliss at his Pawtucket home.

He said the investigation began when EPPD officers received credible “information regarding an individual selling ‘crack’ cocaine in Kent Farm Village off Warren Avenue in East Providence.

The Vice Unit established surveillance teams at the location and also utilized various law enforcement databases to determine suspects in the case. Those tactics eventually led to the identification of Mr. Bliss as the focal point. In addition, throughout the investigation Sgt. Mello reported Mr. Bliss sold "crack" to an undercover police officer on several occasions.

Having established crucial evidence, EPPD officers applied for and obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Bliss. He was taken into custody with the assistance of the Pawtucket Police Department's Special Squad. Once the warrant was executed at Mr. Bliss’ residence, investigators seized "crack" cocaine and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun.

Mr. Bliss was arrested without incident and charged with the following: Possession with intent to deliver (cocaine); Possession of arms by person(s) convicted of a crime; Carrying a dangerous weapon when committing a crime of violence; Maintaining a narcotics nuisance, distribution near a school zone, third or sub narcotics offense, and an arrest warrant (three counts of delivery to a UC).

As of Monday, Sept. 24, Mr. Bliss was being held without bail for 120 days pending indictment.

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.