CPD, WPD Arrest 2 Men in Cocaine Bust

COVENTRY, RI  — A months-long Coventry Police investigation resulted in arrest of two men in a cocaine bust April 6 and April 7, disrupting a drug trafficking operation with the help of Warwick Police.

Coventry Police today announced that during the past several months, detectives with the Coventry Police Department’s Special Operations Unit initiated a narcotics investigation into a drug
trafficking organization operating in and around Coventry.

Through extensive surveillance and investigative efforts, detectives identified 33-year-old
Richard Martin Jr., of Beach St., Coventry, R.I., as the primary target of the
investigation.

During the course of the investigation, multiple associates were identified, along with
additional residences, located in Warwick, frequently utilized by Martin
Jr. and his associates.

On April 6, detectives from the Coventry Police Department, in conjunction with
detectives from the Warwick Police Department, executed multiple court-authorized
search warrants in an effort to dismantle the organization.

During the course of a search warrant in Coventry, detectives, along with K9 Nixo,
located approximately 1.8 pounds of suspected cocaine concealed within a sophisticated
vehicle hide. Additionally, a 9mm handgun, a large sum of U.S. currency, along with
packaging and weighing materials consistent with drug trafficking, were recovered from
the residence.

Cocaine Bust Suspects Arraigned April 7

As a result of the investigation, Martin Jr. has been charged with two counts of
Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Use of a Firearm While
Committing a Crime of Violence, and Controlled Substance Conspiracy.

Additionally, Jason Tallo, 40, of Crocus St., Warwick, R.I., an alleged narcotics
trafficking accomplice of Martin Jr., was taken into custody in Coventry
and was subsequently charged with Controlled Substance Conspiracy.

On April 7, Martin Jr. and Tallo were transported to Kent County District Court, where
they were arraigned on their respective charges before a 3rd District Court judge.

Martin Jr. was subsequently ordered to be held without bail, while Tallo had his bail set at
$25,000 with surety.

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional arrests are expected.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.