A Lawrence man is facing a federal drug trafficking charge after being accused of attempting to retrieve what was believed to be cocaine during an undercover DEA operation in Cranston.
According to the federal affidavit, 49-year-old John Tejada was charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Officers said the investigation began in early 2026 when a confidential informant informed the DEA that Tejada was looking for a new supplier able to provide large amounts of cocaine.
An undercover agent then posed as a cocaine supplier and communicated with him through the Signal app to arrange the transaction…