Hector Rivera, Fentanyl Trafficking, Rhode Island 2026

Thirteen Charged in Fentanyl Trafficking Ring

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation, has arrested 13 individuals, seized over 1,100 grams of fentanyl, and confiscated three firearms in a six-month long investigation into fentanyl trafficking in Providence.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Bloodline, began in June 2019 when members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force developed information regarding the alleged drug trafficking activities of Hector Rivera, 40, of Central Falls. On June 19, 2019, Rivera allegedly delivered 50 grams of fentanyl while being surveilled by members of the Safe Street Task Force. At that same meeting, it is alleged that the individual purchasing the fentanyl from Rivera was introduced to Rafael Ferrer, 39, of Providence.

According to court documents and information presented to the Court, the investigation resulted in the seizure of over 500 grams of fentanyl and two firearms during the pre-dawn raids. Prior to today, the Safe Street Task Force investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 600 grams of fentanyl, 610 fentanyl pills, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 102 grams of cocaine, and a firearm.

“The combination of deadly drugs and illegal firearms has destroyed too many lives, ruined too many families, and rendered once safe neighborhoods dangerous places to live and raise families,” commented United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.

“Dealing deadly drugs was a family affair, and for their suppliers a very dangerous one, as illustrated by the firearms we seized throughout the course of investigation. And if that’s not troubling enough, we allege at least two of these drug dealers were playing Russian roulette with people’s lives, pushing pills that were disguised as prescription painkillers, when they were really fentanyl,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities here in Rhode Island. Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute poisons like fentanyl, crack-cocaine and cocaine, that DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable.

Hector Rivera, 40, of Central Falls, was charged with fentanyl trafficking. His status is currently unknown.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/thirteen-charged-eight-search-warrants-executed-more-thousand-grams-fentanyl-and-three