An East Providence resident was one of three people arrested late last week for what the Rhode Island State Police described as "operating a large-scale narcotics distribution network."

Omar Santana, 23 of East Providence, along with Jeffrey Woodrops, 32 of Woonsocket, and Joshua Wilcox, 36 of Providence, are facing the following charges:

• Possession of cocaine in excess of one (1) kilogram
• Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (cocaine)
• Possession of crack cocaine in excess of one (1) kilogram
• Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (crack cocaine)
• Possession of fentanyl in excess of one (1) kilogram
• Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (fentanyl)
• Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act

The investigation and arrests were carried out by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and State Police Detective Bureau, assisted by the Woonsocket and East Providence Police Departments. The task force is composed of Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, North Providence Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Narragansett Police, DEA Providence District Office and the Rhode Island National Guard Counterdrug Program.

According to State Police, Santana, Woodrops and Wilcox were "operating a sophisticated narcotics distribution network," with numerous suppliers and runners while also keeping a “stash” residence to distribute the illegal contriband.

Upon execution of search warrants at four locations found was approximately 483 grams of cocaine, 173 grams of crack cocaine, 337 grams of fentanyl, narcotics distribution materials and cash. The warrants were executed by officers from the State Police Detective Bureau, the Woonsocket Police, East Providence Police and the DEA Providence Office.

Santana, Woodrops and Wilcox were arraigned in Sixth Division District Court where they were ordered held without bail and remanded to the Adult Correctional Institute pending future court dates.