Man pleads guilty to federal drug charges

By DANIEL A. KITTREDGE
Posted 11/21/19

By BEACON STAFF A Providence man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges last week in connection with a 2017 investigation that occurred partially in Warwick. Ronny B. Nova, 33, entered guilty pleas to charges of possession of heroin, cocaine

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Man pleads guilty to federal drug charges

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A Providence man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges last week in connection with a 2017 investigation that occurred partially in Warwick.

Ronny B. Nova, 33, entered guilty pleas to charges of possession of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl with intent to distribute heroin, as well as one count of attempted fentanyl distribution, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. Nova’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 30.

Authorities say the charges stem from an investigation that began in November 2015. During that month, law enforcement personnel are said to have observed Nova involved in a transaction for 2.5 grams of heroin. Three days later, the execution of a search warrant at a residence tied to Nova is said to have uncovered nearly 2,270 grams of cocaine, roughly 1,954 grams of heroin and nearly 350 grams of fentanyl.

Then, in August 2017, Missouri State Police uncovered six kilograms of fentanyl within a box truck during a traffic stop. The truck’s driver is said to have told authorities he was traveling from Baldwin Park, California, to Warwick, where he was to drop off the fentanyl at a predetermined location.

Authorities say that on Aug. 23, 2017, an undercover law enforcement officer posing as the truck driver drove a similar rental truck to the intended drop-off location in Warwick. Surveillance of the site was established, and authorities say a man identified as Nova came to the location and observed the truck before driving away.

The driver of the rental truck was then directed to another nearby parking lot. Nova is said to have arrived at that location, exited his vehicle and approached the truck, at which point he was arrested. He was found to be carrying nearly $13,000 in cash, authorities say.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul F. Daly and William J. Ferland. Rhode Island State Police and the Warwick and Cranston police departments are part of the task force that led the investigation.

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