PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2019
CONTACT INFO. :
Sgt. Diogo Mello
East Providence Police Department
401-435-7600 ext. 20173
East Providence Police: Investigation results in guns, drugs and $260K
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – Over the past several months the East Providence Police Vice Unit have been investigating 29-year-old Brandon Guarino and his involvement in the sale and distribution of cocaine within East Providence. On Friday, July 26, 2019 investigators observed Guarino engage in what appeared to be a narcotics transaction. Upon approach, Guarino (while attempting to flee) nearly struck an officer with his vehicle. During this attempt to flee, officers observed him ingesting a significant amount of cocaine. Officers were able to stop Guarino and he was arrested. A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted and several ounces of marijuana were located. 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 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 (additional 66 grams seized from vehicle) with a street value of approximately $7,000
• 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)
• digital scale and other drug paraphernalia
Mr. Guarino is charged with the following:
• 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
• Use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence
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For further information, please contact the East Providence Police Department
