Rhode Island
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.
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Rhode Island Republican Party chairman Joe Powers will resign effective Jan. 15, the party announced on Saturday, Jan. 3.
“Chairman Powers is stepping down due to the increased demands of his professional workload and an extensive travel schedule that no longer allow him to give the Chairmanship the full attention the position requires,” the party said in a news release. “The role of Chairman demands constant focus, and daily engagement especially moving into an election year, neither of which Chairman Powers can provide at this time.”
Powers a, real estate agent and unsuccessful 2022 candidate for a Cranston Senate seat, was elected to lead the state’s Republican Party in March 2023. He was reelected to a second two-year term in March.
During his tenure, Powers “oversaw meaningful organizational progress, including the successful update of the Party’s ByLaws and the full staffing of Party committees for the first time in over 20 years, establishing a strong and durable foundation heading into the next election cycle,” the GOP news release said.
Powers will remain on the GOP’s state Central Committee as chairman emeritus and will “continue to support Rhode Island Republicans in a smaller capacity,” the release said, thanking him “for his leadership and service.”
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Lucky For Life, Numbers Midday winning numbers for Dec. 28, 2025
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
12-17-25-34-42, Lucky Ball: 09
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Midday: 5-2-7-6
Evening: 9-5-9-8
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
01-13-20-24-34, Extra: 16
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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