East Providence Police Vice Unit takes down suspected cocaine dealer

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Vice Unit announced the arrest of city man on charges of possession and intent to distribute cocaine.

According to the report of EPPD Sergeant Diogo Mello, on Wendnesday, Jan. 22, the Vice Unit executed a court authorized search warrant of a property located at 137 Earle Ave. Its owner Abraham Rahed, 36, has been the target of an ongoing narcotic related investigation for the past several months. According to information received by the Vice Unit, Mr. Rahed was distributing moderate amounts of cocaine and prescription pills within the city.

Over the course of the investigation, officers utilized various law enforcement data basis, investigative techniques, and sources of information to strengthen their case against Mr. Rahed.  Surveillance teams observed of vehicular/foot traffic at the Rahed residence.  Based on the aforementioned tactics, Investigators applied for and were granted a warrant to search the premises.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. Wendesday, Mr. Rahed was observed leaving his residence with an unknown male. Surveillance followed the suspect to Shore Avenue where they executed a motor vehicle stop.  Investigators who were assisted by the EPPD Patrol Division, informed Mr. Rahed that we had a search warrant for his residence.  Mr. Rahed, according to the officers, dropped his head and began to sob. When asked if he had anything in the vehicle, Rahed stated that he had some “percs and weed.” Investigators seized a small amount of marijuana and several Percocet from the vehicles’ visor.

Mr. Rahed’s passenger, Walter Repoza, 48, was taken into custody on two outstanding superior court warrants (breaking and entering).  Mr. Rahed was transported to his residence, where investigators made contact with his wife and children. The house was secured, and a systematic search of the residence was conducted.

While conducting a search of Rahed’s bedroom investigators located and seized the following items:

• 89.93 grams of cocaine (approx., value $5,000), dresser drawer.
• Digital Scale
• $4,595 in U.S. Currency, dresser drawer.
• $3,000 in U.S. Currency, Jacket pocket (closet)
• $29,900 in U.S. Currency, Cabbage Patch Doll & Box (night stand)
• 170 Oxycodone 30mg (approx., value $5,100.00)
• 96 Adderall
• 46 Vicodin

Mr. Rahed was transported to police headquarters for processing.  He was arraigned Thursday, Jan. 23, on counts of manufacturing/possession/delivery of schedule I/II narcotics and manufacturing/possession/delivery of of cocaine-1 ounce/1 kilogram. A total of $37,495 was seized where it will be submitted to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Officer for asset forfeiture consideration.