In a clampdown on a seemingly ordinary traffic violation, Worcester Police Neighborhood Response Team made a significant bust, netting a sizable haul of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and other illicit materials. On the morning of February 9, officers patrolling Southbridge St. in Worcester, Massachusetts, spotted a vehicle committing a traffic infraction.
The black Honda Accord, driven by 37-year-old Angel Martinez of Granite St, was pulled over after failing to signal while turning onto Jackson St., according to a statement released by the Worcester Police Department. Further investigation revealed that Martinez was operating the vehicle with a suspended license.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered what was a large amount of suspected fentanyl, and several bags of what looked to be crack cocaine, leading to more serious implications for Martinez. The Worcester Police Department's report also mentioned the seizure of what appeared to be brass knuckles, a spring-loaded knife, and bags of marijuana from Martinez's car.
As a result of the find, Martinez was hit with multiple charges including Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, and Trafficking in Fentanyl over 10 Grams. The police did not stop at just drug-related charges, as they also booked him for Possession of a Class B Substance (Crack cocaine) with Intent to Distribute, and even Possession of a Dangerous Weapon (Brass knuckles), along with Possession of Class D with Intent to Distribute. This crackdown on drug trafficking comes amid growing concerns about the opioid epidemic that continues to ravage communities throughout the nation.
