Update: 51-Year-Old Man Charged in Newport Meth Operation

updated: Friday, Jan. 17 at 2:50 p.m.

Sean Costigan, 51, of Pawtucket, was ordered detained in federal custody today by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan  on federal drug trafficking charges after federal agents broke up an alleged methamphetamine operation at the Pineapple Inn in Newport.

According to an affidavit, in May 2013, Warwick Police, and DEA Drug Task Force agents and officers began an investigation into the alleged trafficking of meth by Costigan.

On at least four occasions, between October and December 2013, an undercover law enforcement officer reportedly purchased between 1.4 grams and 6.8 grams of meth from Costigan, for between $100 and $400 dollars.

On Thursday, DEA agents, DEA Drug Task Force agents and officers and Warwick Police detectives executed a court authorized search of a room in the Pineapple Inn, allegedly rented by Costigan. 

Law enforcement discovered materials used in the manufacture and distribution of meth.

Costigan, who was detained overnight at the Warwick Police Department, made an initial appearance in federal court Friday afternoon on a criminal complaint which charges him with four counts of trafficking methamphetamine.

Federal officials, with the assistance from the Newport Fire Department, cleaned up the potentially dangerous ingredients Thursday night.