Johnston neighbors react to major drug bust, firearm sweep

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Thousands of dollars’ worth of drugs and guns are now off the streets after a major bust by Rhode Island State Police.

Six people were arrested this week in connection to a high-level trafficking network throughout the Ocean State.

Johnston residents reacted to the major bust in their neighborhood.

“I’m shocked, I’m shocked,” Marcia Masse, a longtime Johnston resident said. “I didn’t think that kind of thing was around here.”

NBC 10 cameras captured local and state police conducting a search warrant on Shore Drive in connection to what police are calling a high-level narcotics and firearms distribution network.

Across the state, members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force discovered $70,000 in cash, and thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Investigators also seized two pistols and two semi-automatic assault rifles.

“It makes me a little uncomfortable. I didn’t think I’d ever leave her but makes me scratch my head and wonder – do I need to go somewhere else?” Masse said.

The Rhode Island State Police said all suspects were charged as co-defendants in a criminal conspiracy.

Hamlet Lopez was one of six to be arrested, who is a neighbor to those on Shore Drive.

Residents told NBC 10 he moved in two or three years ago.

He was known around town for throwing loud parties but nothing out of the ordinary.

“They had parties, birthday parties or whatever but nothing like you would expect to see,” Katherine Tata said. “It’s like you don’t know who your neighbors are. You never know.”

The neighbors are hoping to restore peace to their typically quiet community.

“It doesn’t make me feel safer that they got caught. just that it happened here is not really a comforting thing,” Masse said.

All of the suspects were arraigned this week and held without bail.