A routine traffic stop turned into a big drug bust worth thousands in Cranston, Rhode Island. The astonishing drug bust occurred on Thursday morning (March 27) when officers pulled over 21‐year-old Teddy Lopez.
According to a report, Lopez was stopped sometime after 10:00 a.m. for a minor seat belt violation. Lopez told the police that the vehicle was a rental car that belonged to his cousin. He claimed he was borrowing the car and he was heading to a mechanic for an oil change.
However, an observant officer noticed that there were several things wrong inside the vehicle, signalling red flags. Lopez was also asked if he had any illegal substances, prompting him to chuckle and nonchalantly admit he “smokes a lot of weed”.
However, the officer’s suspicion was not alleviated, leading to a vehicle search. The police first discovered three cell phones and a significant amount of cash stashed inside the centre console.
When police turned their attention to the backseat, the investigation led to the discovery of a garbage bag containing many marijuana-infused chocolate and candy edibles. While still examining the rear of the vehicle, an oddly placed cup holder piqued the police officer’s interest.
According to the report, Lopez gave an evasive response when asked about the cup holder, saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, man,” which fuelled the suspicion. The search, which was caught on police bodycam, was released by Cranston police. The footage shows the officer in the rear of the car examining the cup holder and carefully removing parts of the interior after backup arrived on the scene.
When the cupholder was recovered, the officer discovered several kilos of drugs hidden in a secret compartment.
The officers’ shock and disbelief can be heard in the video as they expressed, “Oh my goodness gracious, this is insane,” and another added, “They keep coming. This whole fender’s loaded.”
According to a report, the discovery resulted in the seizure of $385,000 worth of drugs, which included 11 kilos of cocaine, 11 pressed fentanyl pills, and a garbage bag brimming with marijuana edibles.
Teddy Lopez is facing several drug charges, including a felony, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. The police continue to probe the case and suspect that he did not work alone.
