Man charged with trafficking cocaine

WESTPORT - Police charged a 26-year-old man with trafficking in cocaine after pulling him over for speeding.

Bernie Rodriguez, whose last known address was 81 Peckham St., Fall River, was driving a 1997 Dodge Neon on State Road at around 2 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, when he was stopped him for speeding. He was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 14 grams, possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, speeding and a subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license.

Westport police said Mr. Rodriguez initially gave them wrong information about his identity, telling them he was enrolled as a criminal justice student in a local community college. When Mr. Rodriguez was later identified, police learned that his license had been suspended.

Sgt. Majewski said a large quantity of white powder and rock-like cocaine was found in the vehicle, including baggies containing about 34 grams of cocaine from inside the vehicle's center console. "The officers also located a journal with names and large dollar amounts that denote suspected drug transactions," Sgt. Majewski said.

The incident remains under investigation by Officer Bryan McCarthy, Sgt. John Couto and the detective division.

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