A federal grand jury in Rhode Island has indicted Rafael Rivera, a 33-year-old resident of Miami, Florida, on charges related to drug trafficking. Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced the indictment, which accuses Rivera of possessing with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
Rivera was arraigned in federal court on November 17, 2025. Court documents allege that in June 2025, Rivera transported thirty-seven kilograms of cocaine from Miami to Smithfield, Rhode Island using a rental vehicle. He was stopped by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), admitted to having the narcotics, and was arrested at the scene. The DEA seized the drugs during the stop.
“A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” according to the press release.
Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman is prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the DEA.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation coordinates resources from programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
