Case Result

Methamphetamine Trafficking Case in Newport RI

February 2, 2025 | John L. Calcagni, III

Criminal Charges:

Man charged in Rhode Island District Court (2nd Division) for:

Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 21-28-4.02 (a)(2)(b)
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, in violation of R.I.G.L. §§ 11-1-6 and 21-28-4.08

City, State, County and Court:

Newport, Rhode Island, Newport County
Rhode Island District Court (2nd Division) – Rhode Island Courts

Case Overview:

Newport Police conducted a long-term narcotics investigation into the interstate trafficking of counterfeit Adderall pills manufactured with methamphetamine, from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. A confidential informant informed investigators that the drug supplier would be traveling from Taunton, MA to Newport, RI, to deliver 5000 counterfeit Adderall pills. The informant further provided the time, date, and address for the delivery, along with the make, model, and registration of the vehicle that the supplier would be driving. Investigators set up surveillance and when the target vehicle arrived, they executed a traffic stop. The vehicle was occupied by three men: two in the front and one in the back. The driver was both the target of this investigation and a suspected drug supplier. Police removed the driver and found an unlicensed handgun on his person. Once the other two men were removed, police searched the car. In the rear passenger area, under a seat, they located a closed bag that contained 50 individual bags, each containing 100 counterfeit Adderall pills that tested positive for methamphetamine. Based on this discovery, police arrested and charged the men with both drug conspiracy and drug trafficking offenses in Rhode Island District Court. The front-seat passenger hired Rhode Island Drug Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to represent them in this serious matter.

Case Result: Bail Granted

At a bail hearing, Attorney Calcagni and his team attacked the two police witnesses and presented proof of the man’s clean record, residence in Massachusetts, family ties, young son, and work history. Attorney Calcagni also argued the lack of evidence that this client had any knowledge of the drugs inside the car, contained in a bag, concealed under the seat. As a result of these efforts, the Court ordered the man’s release, over the State’s objection.