2 Arrested, Gun And Coke Seized Following Narcotics Probe: Coventry Cops

COVENTRY, RI — A months-long narcotics investigation culminated with multiple court-ordered searches that led to the seizure of nearly 2 pounds of cocaine, a pistol and two arrests, police said.

The Coventry Police Department's Special Operations Unit launched the investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in and around the town, the department said in a media release.

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"Through extensive surveillance and investigative efforts," Richard Martin Jr., 33, was identified as the target of the investigation, according to the release.

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On April 6, detectives "executed multiple court-authorized search warrants in an effort to dismantle the organization," the release said.

Police seized a 9 mm pistol and 1.8 pounds of cocaine, as well as a "large sum of U.S. currency, along with packaging and weighing materials consistent with drug trafficking," according to the release.

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Martin was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence and controlled substance conspiracy, the release said.

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A second man, Jason Tallo, 40, of Warwick, an "alleged narcotics trafficking accomplice of Martin Jr., was taken into custody in the Town of Coventry and subsequently charged with Controlled Substance Conspiracy," according to the release.

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