Buffalo man arrested on cocaine charge involving shipments from Puerto Rico

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel Lopez-Rivera, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to the complaint, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating Lopez-Rivera, who is believed to be involved in on-going narcotics activity in Buffalo. On April 12, 2026, the Postal Inspection Service was alerted to a Priority Mail parcel, suspected of containing narcotics, being shipped from Puerto Rico to a residence on Tonawanda Street in Buffalo, a residence utilized by Lopez-Rivera. On April 14, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant on the parcel and found approximately seven pounds of suspected cocaine inside.

On April 16, 2026, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to the Tonawanda Street address. A short time after the delivery, Lopez arrived at the residence. Investigators observed another individual approach Lopez's vehicle and hand him a grocery bag with the parcel inside. Lopez then returned to his Chadduck Avenue residence, where he was taken into custody. Investigators then executed a search warrant on the residence, seizing postage labels addressed to another residence believed to be utilized by Lopez for his drug trafficking activities.

Lopez-Rivera made an initial appearance this afternoon before US. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley, Boston Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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