HOLYOKE — Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan announced that officers seized more than 100 vials of cocaine while conducting a quality-of-life property check on South Bridge Street on Tuesday at approximately 11 a.m.
Officers Thomas Spafford, Joel Mateo, Joshua Salas and Steven Negron, under the direction of Sergeant Dustin Summers, conducted the property check at 529 South Bridge Street in an effort to deter open-air drug dealing in the city.
Officers observed a subject later identified as Richard Cokotis.
Cokotis stated he had a knife on him, and as officers removed the pocket knife, they felt suspected drugs in his pocket.
Detective Jared Hamel arrived and assisted as officers recovered approximately 111 vials of suspected cocaine and more than $100 in cash.
Cokotis was placed under arrest.
Richard Cokotis, 43, of Chicopee is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug and possession of a Class B drug.
