News Summary
A probationary police officer and an associate were arrested in connection with a drug operation in Pawtucket. The investigation uncovered serious felony charges against both individuals, highlighting ongoing drug trafficking concerns in the region. Cooperation between state police and local law enforcement aims to combat these issues, as both suspects await further court proceedings.
Pawtucket – Two individuals, including a probationary police officer, were arrested this week in connection with a drug operation that involved multiple serious charges. Daniel Cooper, a 28-year-old man from Providence, and 25-year-old officer Destiny Viera were apprehended during a joint investigation conducted by the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Pawtucket Police Department’s narcotics detectives.
Daniel Cooper faces several felony drug charges, including:
- Possession with intent to deliver between one ounce and one kilogram of cocaine.
- Possession with intent to deliver cocaine.
- Possession with intent to deliver between one ounce and one kilogram of crack cocaine.
- Possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine.
- Possession of a firearm while committing a controlled substance violation.
Cooper was arrested on his home on Bellevue Avenue and subsequently transported to the Lincoln Barracks for processing before being taken to the Sixth Division District Court for arraignment.
In a related case, Destiny Viera, who had been employed by the Providence Police Department since last September, is facing multiple charges as well, including:
- Manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to manufacture or deliver a Schedule 1 controlled substance (fentanyl).
- Manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to manufacture or deliver a Schedule 2 controlled substance (marijuana).
- Two counts of conspiracy related to drug charges.
- Distribution or manufacturing in or near schools.
- Keeping or maintaining a common nuisance (first offense).
At the time of her arrest, Viera was earning an annual salary of $72,582. Following her apprehension, both she and Cooper appeared before a bail commissioner at the Pawtucket police headquarters. They are currently being held without bond at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
A second suspect, Jaylan Lopez, 24, was also arrested in connection with the drug operation. Lopez faces charges similar to Viera’s, including conspiracy and drug manufacturing and distribution, as well as maintaining a common nuisance.
Chief of Police Oscar Perez stated that Viera’s actions do not reflect the high standards expected of the Providence Police Department. As a result of the serious nature of the charges and the circumstances surrounding her arrest, it has been indicated that she will not be retained in her position following this incident.
This operation and the subsequent arrests highlight ongoing concerns regarding drug trafficking in the region. The cooperation between the Rhode Island State Police and local law enforcement agencies aims to combat the drug issue that continues to affect communities across the state. Both the arrests of Cooper and Viera underscore the complexities of dealing with drug-related crimes, particularly when individuals in positions of public trust are involved.
The investigation into the drug trafficking ring will likely continue, as law enforcement agencies work to gather additional information and possibly identify more individuals involved in similar illicit activities. The results of this operation show a strong commitment to tackling drug crimes and maintaining community safety.
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Additional Resources
- Turnto10
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- WPRI
- Google Search: drug arrests providence
- Providence Journal
- Google Scholar: drug law enforcement
- GoLocal Prov
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Abuse
- ABC6
- Google News: drug police officer arrests
