EPPD Vice Unit seizes guns, cocaine, cash in recent bust

Arrest city resident Guarino, confiscate over $260,000

Posted 7/29/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — As a result of a months-long investigation into the illegal activities of a city man, the East Providence Police Department’s Vice Division seized over $260,000 in cash while …

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EPPD Vice Unit seizes guns, cocaine, cash in recent bust

Arrest city resident Guarino, confiscate over $260,000

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — As a result of a months-long investigation into the illegal activities of a city man, the East Providence Police Department’s Vice Division seized over $260,000 in cash while disrupting a local cocaine sale and distribution ring.

Brandon Guarino, 29 and a resident of Elder Avenue in city, was arrested on Friday, July 26, and charged with the following counts: Assault on a police officer; Resisting arrest; Possession with intent to deliver 1 ounce-1 kilogram of cocaine; Possession with intent to deliver 1-5 kilograms of marijuana; and Use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence.

Under surveillance for several months, last Friday, EPPD investigators observed Mr. Guarino engage in what appeared to be a narcotics transaction in the area of Martin Street in the center of the city but were unable to make the arrest. They continued pursuit with the apprehension later eventually took place at the Elmwood Dodge “Corner Lot”Upon approach of the officers, Mr. Guarino, while attempting to flee, nearly struck an officer with his vehicle.

“He’s been flying under the radar for a while…He’s a decent sized player, and we finally caught up with him,” said EPPD Vice Division Sergeant Diogo Mello.

At the same time, officers observed Mr. Guarino attempting to ingest a significant amount of cocaine. Officers were able to apprehend Mr. Guarino and upon subsequent search of the vehicle several ounces of marijuana were located. Mr. Guarino was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment.

Members of the EPPD Vice Unit and Detective Division then executed a court-authorized search warrant at Mr. Guarino’s Elder Avenue home. With the assistance of K9 “Chiko,” investigators located and seized the following: approximately 187 grams of cocaine (additional 17 grams of cocaine were seized from Guarino at the hospital) for a total street value of approximately $20,000; approximately 400 grams of marijuana; three guns – Glock model 17 / Smith and Wesson revolver / Colt revolver; $261,678 cash (most of which was buried in the back yard of the residence in PVC pipe); and digital scale and other drug paraphernalia.

In addition, EPPD confiscated two vehicles owned by Mr. Guarino, a late-model Chevrolet pick-up and a Nissan sedan, with a combined worth of approximately $50,000. The vehicles will be put into the asset forfeiture program.

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.