A federal grand jury in Rhode Island indicted Enrique Chavez-Salas, 60, of Utah, on April 9 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute about 30 kilograms of the drug, United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said.
The charges follow an investigation into the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Rhode Island. Authorities say that these types of cases are significant because they target alleged drug trafficking operations that can impact local communities.
According to court documents, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force Officers began investigating Chavez-Salas in November 2025 for his alleged role in coordinating shipments of multi-kilogram amounts of cocaine into Rhode Island. As part of the operation, law enforcement arranged a delivery involving approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine.
Chavez-Salas allegedly arrived at a meeting related to this transaction driving a tractor trailer truck and carrying a large black duffel bag. He then discussed payment for the narcotics before being taken into custody by authorities.
Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the DEA and other task force agencies involved in narcotics enforcement efforts.
Prosecutors remind the public that a federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation and that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
