WESTPORT — A Westport police officer said he was greeted by a powerful smell of marijuana as he walked up to the car he had just pulled over on Route 88 early Sunday morning.

At approximately 12:26 a.m., Officer Turner Ryan stopped on Route 88 in the area of Briggs Road for a marked lanes violation. The vehicle, a black 2005 Toyota Matrix, was being operated by 25-year-old Alissa Mercer of 901 Pleasant Street, Attleboro.

“While approaching the vehicle from the passenger’s side, Officer Ryan was overwhelmed with the odor of unburnt marijuana” said Westport Police Sergeant Christopher Dunn.

Ms. Mercer, the lone occupant, “attempted to shield approximately three quarters of a pound of high grade marijuana and several bags of THC edibles,” Sgt. Dunn said.

In addition to the seizure of the marijuana and edibles, Officer Ryan seized $2,132 in cash located near the marijuana.

Ms. Mercer was charged with possession with the intent to distribute a Class D substance.

Westport Police say that the U.S. Attorney’s Office had previously issued a public safety warning after authorities intercepted a package of edibles. Although they noted that the candy did have a warning on it, they said that its deceptive labels could cause confusion. An unaware child could come across a package and eat it without realizing the potency of the THC infused product.

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