RI State Police Arrest Two Connecticut Men For Drug Possession

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island State Police arrested two Connecticut men Thursday for possession of 4.5 ounces of fentanyl, said a news release.

Kevin Figueroa, 28, of Middletown, and Giovanni Beniquez, 25, of New Haven, were taken into custody on multiple narcotics charges following a motor vehicle stop at 12:57 a.m. on Route 95 in West Greenwich, said police. Figueroa was driving with a suspended license and a fraudulent New Jersey registration, and a further investigation resulted in the seizure of the fentanyl.

“As Rhode Island continues to battle the opioid overdose epidemic, arrests like these truly save lives,"said Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, in a statement.

"I am very proud of our Troopers and grateful for their vigilance," he continued. "Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are responsible for nearly 80% of fatal overdoses in Rhode Island and keeping this large volume of fentanyl off our streets is a great outcome for all of us.”

The two men are facing charges including possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of fentanyl one ounce to one kilogram, conspiracy, forgery counterfeiting of registration plates, and operating with a suspended license.

Both Figueroa and Beniquez were arraigned Thursday in Kent County District Court and are being held for future court hearings, said police.