Suspected Coke Dealer Arrested: Police

NEWPORT, RI — Christopher O. Aina, 31, of Providence, was taken into custody on Oct. 31 at 8:30 p.m. on Girard Avenue. The arrest followed a traffic stop near the Mainstay Inn. He been the focus of an investigation by Newport vice and by Cranston police for allegedly dealing "large amounts of cocaine" in both cities, police said. A confidential informant tipped them off about a big delivery he was making on Oct. 31.

Officers said he drove his white van from Providence to Newport, parked five minutes outside Festival Field apartments, but did not speak to anyone. Then he drove South and turned near Mainstay Inn. Because he failed to use a turn signal, officers stopped him. They allege they found 95 grams of cocaine in the van. The street value was $9,500, police said.

Aina was charged with manufacturing, possessing and delivering cocaine, a felony.