Suspected drugs found during traffic stop in South Portland

SOUTH PORTLAND — A South Portland Police officer located suspected drugs during a traffic stop early Saturday morning.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 8, an officer operating a marked police cruiser on Westbrook Street observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop and continued driving through the Brickhill neighborhood.

The vehicle eventually turned onto Osprey Circle, reaching a dead end.

The suspect vehicle then reversed, striking the front bumper of the police cruiser and becoming disabled.

The driver and passenger were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

The investigation revealed that both individuals were from Massachusetts.

The driver, Hamza A. Mahamud, 21, of Roxbury, did not have a valid license.

Large quantities of suspected drugs, disguised in popular candy packaging, were found inside the vehicle.

Mahamud was charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, aggravated criminal mischief, unlawful trafficking in cocaine, unlawful trafficking in marijuana, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, aggravated trafficking in heroin/fentanyl powder, unlawful possession of cocaine base, operating without a license, failure to stop, and driving to endanger.

The passenger, Gerald A. Daughtry, 33, of Roslindale, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, unlawful trafficking in cocaine, unlawful trafficking in marijuana, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, aggravated trafficking in heroin/fentanyl powder, and unlawful possession of cocaine base.

Both individuals were transported to the Cumberland County Jail and are being held on $30,000 cash bail each.

Officers confiscated a knife, drug equipment, cash, and several cell phones from the vehicle.

No injuries were reported.