WEBSTER — A routine traffic stop for an equipment violation led to the seizure of more than 50 grams of illegal drugs and the arrest of a Webster man on trafficking charges, police said.
Officer Alex Johnson was patrolling North Main Street at approximately 2:10 a.m. Monday when he stopped a Honda for an equipment violation in an area that has seen increased drug activity in recent months.
After being joined by Officers Murray, Blomgren and Stephens, Johnson observed a knotted plastic bag containing suspected drugs protruding from a shoulder bag worn by passenger Omar Cruz, according to police.
When asked to exit the vehicle, Cruz allegedly attempted to hand the bag to the driver before both occupants were removed from the car and handcuffed.
A search of the shoulder bag revealed 32.2 grams of crack cocaine and 22.4 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution, along with a scale and $1,458 in cash believed to be drug proceeds, authorities said.
Cruz, 23, of Goddard Street, Webster, was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine 18-36 grams, trafficking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl, and conspiracy to violate controlled substance law.
Bail was set at $15,000, and Cruz was arraigned at Dudley District Court on Tuesday.
The driver will be summonsed to court at a later date on the same charges, police said.
