You’re listening to the Westerly Sun’s podcast, where we talk about news, the best local events, new job postings, obituaries, and more.

First, a bit of Rhode Island trivia. Today’s trivia is brought to you by Perennial. Perennial’s new plant-based drink “Daily Gut & Brain” is a blend of easily digestible nutrients crafted for gut and brain health. A convenient mini-meal, Daily Gut & Brain” is available now at the CVS Pharmacy in Wakefield.

Now for some trivia. Did you know that Rhode Island native, David Quinn, is an American ice hockey coach and former player?. He is the former head coach of the New York Rangers and was the former head coach of the Lake Erie Monsters in the AHL, an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche, and the head men's hockey coach at Boston University.

Now, we turn our feature story….

A state investigation that brought together 36 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and led to charges against 23 individuals who have all since been found guilty for various roles in an organized drug-distribution ring was recognized this week with a national Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces award.

The U.S. Department of Justice recognized 10 individuals with the OCDETF honor. The recipients included personnel with the U.S. Postal Service, Pembroke, Massachusetts Police Departments, the Rhode Island State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Among those who received recognition were Richard Atwood, James Burns, Mario Cerullo, Kristopher Dees, Daniel Hernandez, Alexander Koumanelis, Sam Masiello, Andrea Metz, Michael Rusciano and Lindsay Beltzer.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha said: “I am pleased to see the team deservedly recognized with this award. This award is a testament to two things: the results that flow from effective coordination among our law enforcement partners, and the commitment of those agencies to dismantle and disrupt significant drug trafficking in our state and region,” 

Cunha said in a news release that the eight-month Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation, dubbed “Operation Panamera,” relied on the combined expertise of different Rhode Island police units and task forces, whose joint work dismantled a drug-trafficking organization that imported hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine from Mexico and Puerto Rico and redistributed them to drug dealers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont.

The investigation culminated in the seizure of 13 kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of cocaine, 11 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of psychedelic mushrooms. In addition, law enforcement also seized $60,000 in cash, 10 vehicles and a handgun.

All 23 individuals charged, including several from the greater Providence area, have since been judged guilty in the U.S. District Court in Providence and sentenced to federal prison.

Stay up to date on this story and more at westerlysun.com

Today we’re remembering the life of Nicholas Utter of Westerly.

Educated in the Westerly schools, a graduate of Tabor Academy and URI, Nicholas was commissioned a 2nd Lt of Infantry from ROTC at URI. He served as an infantry officer and then as an air defense artillery officer in the 197th Infantry Brigade from 1971 until 1974 at which time he left active service as a lieutenant and joined the reserves. Upon return to Westerly, he joined his father at The Westerly Sun and The Utter Co. as manager of Sun Graphics becoming co-publisher of The Westerly Sun.

His service to the community was demonstrated in his dedication as past president of the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and the Westerly Lions Club, as a board member of the Westerly Hospital, and as a member of the Westerly Economic Development Committee. He was a member of the Watch Hill Yacht Club and his beloved Low Cleveland Poker Group.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen, two sons and daughter, brothers, and five grandchildren.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Nicholas’s life.

That’s it for today, we’ll be back next time with more! Also, remember to check out our sponsor Perennial, Daily Gut & Brain, available at the CVS on Main St. in Wakefield!

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