Providence, RI — A joint narcotics investigation conducted through the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Violent Crime Initiative has resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of more than four kilograms of suspected cocaine, a firearm, cash, vehicles, and narcotics-related evidence connected to a large-scale drug trafficking operation operating in and around Providence.
The investigation, conducted between January and May 2026 by members of the Providence Police Department Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Unit in partnership with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Violent Crimes Initiative, East Providence Police Department, and Warwick Police Department, focused on individuals suspected of distributing illegal narcotics throughout the City of Providence and surrounding communities.
“This investigation represents the kind of coordinated, intelligence-driven policing that is critical to disrupting violent narcotics trafficking in our capital city and throughout Rhode Island,” said Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez. “The seizure of more than four kilograms of suspected cocaine, along with a firearm and other trafficking evidence, reflects the outstanding work of our Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit and our law enforcement partners. Individuals who continue to engage in large-scale drug distribution and endanger public safety will be held accountable.”
On May 19, 2026, law enforcement officers executed multiple court-authorized search warrants at residences in Providence, East Providence, and Warwick connected to the investigation.
During the operation, Deric Hazard, 54, attempted to flee from law enforcement in a vehicle, striking multiple vehicles during the incident before crashing near Flora Street and Branch Avenue. Hazard was subsequently taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Hazard was on parole stemming from a prior first-degree murder conviction.
During the incident, officers recovered approximately 1,718.67 grams of suspected cocaine that had been discarded from the vehicle. Multiple agencies then executed simultaneous search warrants at four targeted residences, resulting in the seizure of additional large quantities of suspected cocaine and evidence consistent with narcotics trafficking – totaling over 4 kilograms.
“It goes without saying that law enforcement collaboration is essential to ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “Oftentimes, criminal activity doesn’t fit neatly within municipal borders. That’s why our Task Force – a partnership between our Office and law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island’s urban core – is crucial to rooting out the individuals who drive violent crime in the greater Providence area. Here, we allege that the defendants possessed 4.25 kilos of cocaine and unlawfully possessed a firearm following a violent crime conviction. Now, they will answer to these charges in court. I am grateful to the continued partnership of the agencies involved in our initiative.”
Items Seized During the Investigation
Investigators seized the following evidence during the operation:
- Approximately 4,256 grams (more than 4.2 kilograms) of suspected cocaine
- Multiple kilogram-sized cocaine bundles
- A .25 caliber firearm
- Approximately $5,203 in U.S. currency
- Two digital scales containing narcotics residue
- Vacuum sealing equipment and narcotics packaging materials
- Drug ledgers documenting names and monetary amounts
- Multiple cellular phones
- Jewelry believed to be connected to narcotics proceeds
- A 2019 Nissan Altima seized pending forfeiture
Providence Police K9 units also assisted during the execution of the search warrants. The suspected narcotics were field tested and submitted to the Rhode Island State Toxicology Laboratory for further analysis.
Charges
Lazar Hazard, 43, has been charged with:
- Possession of a Firearm After Conviction of a Crime of Violence
Jose Melendez, 56, and Deric Hazard have both been charged with:
- Possession of 1–5 Kilograms of Cocaine
- Possession With Intent to Deliver Cocaine
- Conspiracy
Deric Hazard was additionally charged with:
- Reckless Eluding
- Two Counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving an Occupied Vehicle
- Laned Roadway Violation
- Operation Left of Center
- Failure to Obey Stop Signs
The Providence Police Department recognizes the collaborative efforts of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Violent Crime Initiative, East Providence Police Department, Warwick Police Department, and all assisting law enforcement personnel involved in this investigation.
This investigation remains ongoing.
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