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November 15, 2007

Five arrested in investigation of Johnston drug operation

Five men have been arrested following an investigation of an alleged illegal prescription drug operation run out of a Johnston social club.

The police seized more than 400 prescription drugs -- painkillers such as Percocet and Vicodin -- and marijuana that was allegedly being sold to customers within the club, a State Police news release said today. At 1:30 p.m. yesterday, the release said, State and Johnston police used a search warrant at the social club at 1357 Plainfield St.

Louis Romanelli, 80, of 12 Victoria Street, Providence, was charged with two counts of possession of Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of Schedule III controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana. The prescription drugs that were seized were Vicodin, Percocet, Suboxone and Xanax.

Detectives said they seized $1,172 in cash from Romanelli.

Richard G. Mangiante, 39, of 12 Rialto St., Providence,was charged with possession of Schedule IV controlled substance after detectives said they found him in possession of Xanax pills.

Michael E. Chiello, 29, of 363 Simmonsville Ave., Apt. 1305, Johnston, was charged with possession of Schedule II controlled substance after detectives said they found him in possession of Percocet pills.

Earlier yesterday, State Police arrested two men who they said went into the social club then left it a short a time later. Detectives were doing surveillance of the social club,

Michael R. Correra, 58, of 108 Skunk Hill Road, Hope Valley, was Correra with possession of Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver and possession of Schedule IV controlled substance with intent to deliver. Police said they seized more than 150 Percocet and Xanax pills.

George Broderick, 52, of 2 Layton St., North Providence was charged with possession of Schedule II controlled substance after detectives said they seized six Percocet pills, one Vicodin pill, a mirror, a razor blade, and a straw from Broderick.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 1:28 PM | Permalink

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