Rhode Island man pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Providence man who tried to sell a large amount of fentanyl and heroin while under surveillance by law enforcement pleaded guilty Monday to drug trafficking charges, federal prosecutors said.

Josimar Delacruz-Reyes, 31, was under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration in March 2019 when arrangements were made to purchase two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of fentanyl and approximately 400 grams (14 ounces) of heroin from the defendant for an agreed upon price of $115,000, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office in Rhode Island.

After the drugs were seized, Delacruz-Reyes was arrested as he traveled to a nearby coffee shop where he was expecting to receive a cash payment for the drugs, prosecutors said.

When his home was searched, authorities found even more fentanyl.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Delacruz-Reyes, who has been detained since his arrest, faces sentencing on Jan. 20.