Rhode Island State Police arrested two people and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $150,000 after a traffic stop on Route 95 about 8 p.m. Wednesday night.
Willy D. Espinal, 32, of 19 Grand St., Providence, and Laura Martinez, 24, of 14 Atlantic Ave., Providence, were charged with possession with intent to deliver more than a kilo of cocaine; possession of cocaine; and conspiracy. Espinal also was charged with driving with a suspended license and was issued a citation for driving a car with a suspended registration.
Willy D. Espinal, 32, of 19 Grand St., Providence, and Laura Martinez, 24, of 14 Atlantic Ave., Providence, were charged with possession with intent to deliver more than a kilo of cocaine; possession of cocaine; and conspiracy. Espinal also was charged with driving with a suspended license and was issued a citation for driving a car with a suspended registration.
Capt. John Allen said the pair was arrested after a trooper who is a member of the Rhode Island State Police K-9 unit spotted a car with an expired registration plate on Route 95 north, just south of the Route 2 exit in West Warwick about 8:05 p.m. During the stop, the trooper learned the driver, identified as Espinal, also had a suspended license.
During an inventory search of the car prior to it being towed, the trooper became suspicious and brought out his narcotics-certified canine. With the canine's assistance, the trooper located the cocaine hidden in a compartment inside the car, Captain Allen said. Both Espinal and Martinez were arraigned earlier today and ordered held without bail, pending further court action.
During an inventory search of the car prior to it being towed, the trooper became suspicious and brought out his narcotics-certified canine. With the canine's assistance, the trooper located the cocaine hidden in a compartment inside the car, Captain Allen said. Both Espinal and Martinez were arraigned earlier today and ordered held without bail, pending further court action.
