Cranston man held on federal drug, weapons charges

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A Cranston man alleged to have gang ties is facing federal drug trafficking and firearms charges, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.

Antonio Fortes, 24, was arrested Wednesday by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) after a search of his residence.

He is charged with one count each of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. His detention was ordered Thursday by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.

Authorities said Fortes is alleged to be a member or associate of the YNIC street gang, and that an investigation into his alleged drug trafficking activities – which involved controlled drug purchases and surveillance – resulted in the execution of the search warrant.

Seized as a result of the search were “numerous packets of heroin, crack cocaine, a loaded .45-caliber handgun and additional ammunition, and items used in the preparation and packaging of illegal narcotics,” according to Nerohna’s office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Milind M. Shah and William J. Ferland are prosecuting the case, and police in Cranston, Pawtucket and Providence assisted with the investigation.

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