Police Dog Sniffs Out Cocaine Stash Worth $150K

WEST WARWICK — 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. last night.

Photo Caption: Cocaine Seized

Here is the press release.

Willy D. Espinal, 32, and Laura Martinez, 24, both of 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.

Suspect Willy D. Espinal

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.

Suspect Laura Martinez

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.

Courtesy Photos: RI State Police