Just before K9 hangs up his collar he helps Massachusetts, Rhode Island police make arrest, seize nearly 40 kilos of cocaine

A local police K9 wanted to show that he still has it, one last time.

According to police, on Thursday at approximately 6:15 p.m., members of the Smithfield Police Department responded to Esmond Street to assist the Drug Enforcement Administration- Worcester HIDTA with a motor vehicle stop.

Once on scene, K-9 Ajax was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle that was stopped by the DEA. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded 38.5 kilograms of cocaine.

The driver of the vehicle, 33-year-old Rafael Rivera of Providence, RI, was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule I/II drug with intent to deliver- 3rd offense and possession of cocaine greater than 1 kilogram.

Rivera was arraigned at the Smithfield Police Department by Bail Commissioner Christopher Millea and held without bail. He was remanded to the Adult Correctional Institution and appeared in Kent County Courthouse on Friday morning where he was again held without bail. A plea was not entered on his behalf. His next court date is a Pre-Arraignment Conference scheduled for September.

Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Section/DHS, Fitchburg Police, Leominster Police, Webster Police, Gardner Police, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA- Providence Office. 

K9 Ajax has served the department for nearly 9 years and is retiring on Monday.