Multi-State Cocaine Bust in Rhode Island Announced by Smithfield Police

Multi-State Cocaine Bust in Rhode Island Announced by Smithfield Police

The Smithfield Police Department on Friday announced a drug bust made in conjunction with Massachusetts authorities. 

According to police, on June 26 at approximately 6:15 PM, members of the Smithfield Police Department responded to Esmond Street to assist the Drug Enforcement Administration in Worcester with a motor vehicle stop. 

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Police said that once on scene, "K-9 Ajax" was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle that was stopped by the DEA. 

A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded 38.5 kilograms of cocaine, said police.  

 

Arrest and Charge

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Rafael Rivera, age 33 of Providence, was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule I/II drug with intent to deliver (3rd offense) and possession of cocaine greater than 1 kilogram. 

Rivera was arraigned at the Smithfield Police Department and held without bail. He was remanded to the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI) and will appear in Kent County Courthouse on Friday.

Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Section/DHS, Fitchburg Police, Leominster Police, Webster Police, Gardner Police, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA Providence Office.