COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) — Two men have been charged following a monthslong investigation into drug trafficking in Coventry and Warwick.
Coventry police said Richard Martin Jr., 33, of Coventry, was the primary target in the case, but that he had multiple associates and houses in Warwick.
During a court-authorized search, detectives seized around 1.8 pounds of suspected cocaine hidden in a specially concealed compartment inside a vehicle. They also found a 9mm handgun, a large sum of cash and packaging materials consistent with drug trafficking, according to police.
Martin was charged with the following:
- Two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
- Use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence
- Controlled substance conspiracy
An alleged accomplice, 40-year-old Jason Tallo of Warwick, was also taken into custody and charged with controlled substance conspiracy.
Both were arraigned on April 7. Martin was ordered held without bail, while Tallo had his bail set at $25,000 with surety…