Woman Detained for Trafficking Nearly 200 Grams of Fentanyl

Woman Detained for Trafficking Nearly 200 Grams of Fentanyl

A woman has been ordered detained in federal custody after federal agents seized nearly 200 grams of fentanyl and almost two kilograms of a substance that appeared to be heroin.

Marleni Difo, 26, of Providence, was detained on a federal criminal complaint charging her with possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

The Investigation

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On Friday, November 2, DEA and Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force agents executed a court-authorized search of Difo’s home, and seized nearly 200 grams of fentanyl, cutting agents, four digital scales, gloves and masks, and other items used in the packaging and distribution of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced products.

Additionally, agents seized nearly 2 kilograms of a brown material consistent in appearance with heroin.

DEA safety protocols encourage agents not to handle materials found in close proximity to fentanyl. Consequently, the brown material has not been field-tested.

Analysis of that material will be conducted by DEA's forensic laboratory.