WORCESTER, MA – A Worcester man was arrested during a Vice Squad operation after he admitted to possessing an impressive stash of crack cocaine and fentanyl, authorities said Wednesday.

The Worcester Police Department executed search warrants Tuesday evening on Main Street targeting 65-year-old Peter Rivera. According to the Worcester PD's report, Rivera was spotted leaving the residence just before Vice Squad officers swooped in. The bust turned up over 30 grams of illegal narcotics and thousands in cash, suggesting a considerable drug operation.

After officers approached Rivera and commenced their search, he confessed to having illegal substances on his person. "After a brief conversation, Rivera told officers that he had drugs on his person," the department relayed. A haul of 9.1 grams of crack cocaine and 3.7 grams of fentanyl were initially recovered.

Rivera, signaling more contraband was hidden within his apartment, led the officers to his bedroom where they discovered an additional 19.6 grams of crack cocaine, and 4.6 grams of fentanyl, alongside drug paraphernalia. Accompanying the narcotics was a total of $2,481, which was assumed to be proceeds from Rivera's alleged trafficking. The suspect now faces significant charges, including Class A, Possession with Intent to Distribute and Trafficking in Class B 18-36 grams.

The Worcester Police Department's decisive action underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic that has ravaged communities across Massachusetts. Rivera's arrest and the seizure of these drugs remove a portion of the substances fueling this public health crisis. The full report on the Vice Squad's operation and subsequent arrest is available on the official Worcester Police Department website.