Cranston Man, Woman, Nabbed in Big Heroin Bust

A Cranston woman and man were two of the 12 people rounded up in "Operation Hybrid" — a large-scale heroin bust that targeted a drug operation centered in Providence, the Rhode Island State Police announced.

Cara Stifano, 41, and Patrick Skahen, 34, both of Cranston, are among the 12 people who were arrested in connection with the investigation, though they weren't the main targets.

Police said they began the investigation in August of 2012 and identified two subjects as the leaders of a widespread heroin trafficking operation, both men referred by their street names: "Jose" and "Junior."

"These subjects were also known to utilize several vehicles containing elaborate, electronically operated, hidden compartments to conceal their illicit trade," a state police release stated. The subjects were later positively identified as Henry Ortiz, 36 of 21 Tyndall Ave., Providence, and Richard Pena, 39, of 20 Abram St. in Providence.

In November, police obtained warrants to monitor three phones used by the ringleaders and over the next month, intercepted thousands of phone calls and messages that helped them identify a slew of individuals as co-conspirators in the operation.

Yesterday, members of a drug enforcement task force arrested twelve people and seized one kilo of heroin, two guns, ammunition, drug packaging materials, digital scales, nine cars with hidden compartments and more than $11,000 cash.

Here's a list of the arrested:

Henry Ortiz, age 36, of Providence 4 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin. 3 Counts Conspiracy to Deliver Heroin. 1 Count Possession of Heroin 1oz to 1 kilo 1 Count Delivery of Heroin

Richard Pena, age 39, of Providence 2 Counts Possession of a Firearm by Criminals and Fugitives 1 Count Possession of a Firearm While in Possession With Intent to Deliver 3 Counts Conspiracy to Deliver Heroin 4 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin. 1 Count Delivery of Heroin 1 Count Possession with intent to deliver Schedule I-V Possession of Heroin 1 Ounce to 1 Kilogram

Yahira Liranzo, age 31, of Providence 3 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin. 3 Counts conspiracy to Deliver Heroin. 1 Count Delivery of Heroin.

Rafael Galvez, age 40, of Providence 3 Counts Conspiracy to Deliver Heroin. 1 Count Delivery of Heroin. 1 Count Possession with intent to deliver Schedule I-V Possession of Heroin 1 Ounce to 1 Kilogram

Cara Stifano, age 41, of Cranston 2 Counts Soliciting Another to Commit a Crime.

Christopher Mancini, age 41, of North Providence 2 Counts Possess with Intent to Deliver. 1 Count Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule 2 (Methadone).

Patrick Skahen, age 34, of Cranston 2 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin.

Troy Vespa, age 33, of Ashland, MA 3 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin. 1 Count Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin.

Scott Conti, age 34, of Ashland, MA 3 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin. 1 Count Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin.

Joseph Moody. age 55, of Providence 2 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin.

Sheila Moody, age 49, of Providence 2 Counts Soliciting Another to Commit a Crime.

Arcadio Santiago, age 63, of Providence 1 Count Possession of Heroin 3 Counts Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Deliver Heroin.

All suspects were arraigned in 6th Division District Court on the afternoon of December 11th, 2013 pending future court appearances.