Prosecutor Gerard B. Sullivan presented at trial evidence gathered by federal immigration and customs agents. In December, a Customs and Border Patrol agent at the FedEx Consignment Hub in Memphis found a kilogram of cocaine concealed in the bottom of a radio-controlled car inside a package from Caracas headed for a Johnston address

The agents in Memphis got the package to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Providence. On Dec. 31, an agent wearing a FedEx uniform, as part of a “controlled delivery” to the intended Plainfield Pike address, delivered the parcel, which now bore a package of sham cocaine hidden in the car.

A woman who accepted the package said it was for her friend “Edwin.”

Immigration and Customs Enfrocement and Drug Enforcement Administration agents, state and Jonston police watched as Perez came to the Plainfield Pike address shortly after. After a few minutes inside, he came out with the package and agents arrested him.

While Perez was handcuffed, agents heard him trying to make a cell phone call, muttering into the phone, “The cops are here.” But cell phone records did not show a call being completed at that time.