PSP: Man charged after over 8 pounds of cocaine found during Centre County traffic stop

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — State police say a man from Puerto Rico is behind bars after being caught with over eight pounds of cocaine in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Centre County on Friday.

According to a police report, troopers say a traffic stop was conducted on I-80 westbound, in Marion Township.

State police said the driver of the vehicle was identified as Zariel Melendez, 32, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Troopers say that, during the stop, signs of criminal activity were observed, but Melendez denied a request to search his vehicle.

State police say a drug-detecting canine was then brought in for an exterior search of the vehicle and alerted authorities to the scent of controlled substances.

The press release states that the vehicle was towed and a search warrant was requested and granted.

State police said that, during a search of the vehicle, troopers located over eight pounds of cocaine in the trunk of the vehicle.

According to the press release, the estimated street value of the cocaine is over $170,000.

Online court dockets show that Melendez is currently being charged with one felony charge of manufacturing, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, one count of possessing a controlled substance, one count of possessing drug paraphernalia and one count of disregarding a traffic lane.

Court dockets also show that Melendez is currently being held at the Centre County Prison and was denied bail due to being a flight risk and that he has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 2.