CT drug dealer caught trafficking fentanyl gets five years in federal prison on weapons charge

A Connecticut drug dealer caught trafficking fentanyl was sentenced to five years in federal prison on a weapons charge, officials said.

Kevin Rivera, 29, of Waterbury was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after pleading guilty on March 11, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

On Nov. 24, 2021, the Waterbury Police Department established surveillance at Rivera’s home to prepare for the execution of multiple state search warrants, court records show.

Investigators reportedly observed Rivera exiting his residence and opening doors to multiple vehicles in the parking lot in front of the building. Rivera then reportedly removed a plastic bag from one of the cars, conducted what appeared to be drug transaction with an individual, and then drove away, according to court records.

“When Rivera returned a short time later and investigators approached him, Rivera dropped a clear plastic bag containing approximately 46 bags of heroin/fentanyl,” officials said.

Rivera was placed under arrest, according to officials.

Investigators reported seizing more than 3,000 bags of heroin/fentanyl, a small quantity of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, a loaded Kel Tec Sub-2000 9mm caliber semiautomatic rifle with an obliterated serial number, an armor-plated bulletproof vest and other items during searches of Rivera’s residence and vehicles parked in front of his home, officials said.

Rivera has been detained since his arrest.