Alexander Tovar, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin, Rhode Island 2014

Two Providence men have been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for their participation in a heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy that brought in more than 486 grams of heroin and 462 grams of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha and Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England.

Alexander Tovar, 26, and Miguel Valentin, 30, were sentenced on November 14, 2014, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith. Tovar was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Tovar pleaded guilty on September 12, 2014, to one count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Valentin was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. He pleaded guilty on July 31, 2014, to one count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

According to court documents, on December 21, 2013, a United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent discovered two packages containing 486.4 grams of heroin and 462.2 grams of cocaine. The packages were addressed for delivery to separate Boston area residences. CBP shipped the packages to Boston where they were turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division of Homeland Security.

On December 26, 2013, HSI Task Force undercover agents and Massachusetts State Police attempted to deliver the package containing heroin to the addressee, but it was returned to the shipping company office. While attempting to deliver the package, law enforcement spotted a vehicle with Rhode Island license plates driven by Tovar with Valentin inside.

After two failed attempts, Valentin approached the delivery truck attempting to accept delivery of the package, but was refused due to lack of identification. Valentin then left the area in the vehicle with Rhode Island plates. The delivery company later received a call from someone claiming to be the addressee, authorizing release of the package to Valentin. The next day, Valentin arrived with a female and accepted delivery of the package from undercover agents.

The defendants have been detained in federal custody since their arrest. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.

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