Coventry man arrested after major drug bust at home

COVENTRY, R.I. — A Coventry man was arrested on multiple felony drug charges after a major drug bust at home. The charges include possession with intent to manufacture and deliver cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, as well as possession of testosterone.

The arrest of Julio Rivera, 34, followed a months-long investigation by the Coventry Police Department’s Detective Division. On the morning of May 21, at approximately 11:00 AM, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at Rivera’s residence. The operation was supported by the Coventry Police Patrol Division, K9 “Nixo,” the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections Special Investigations Home Confinement Unit.

During the search, authorities seized 117 grams of cocaine, 91 grams of methamphetamine, 20 grams of fentanyl, multiple vials of testosterone, drug production equipment, packaging materials, and a significant amount of cash.

Rivera was arraigned in Kent County District Court on May 22 and was also presented as a Superior Court bail violator in connection with a 2024 West Warwick case involving charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm While Delivering a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and related offenses. He was ordered held without bail at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) pending further proceedings.