WORCESTER — A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a Worcester man on drug trafficking charges early Monday morning, police said.
At around 9:15 a.m. on April 3, Worcester Police Department officers stopped 46-year-old Joseph Baez after they observed him riding a motorcycle on the sidewalk along Oread Street toward Beacon Street.
The officers’ initial concern for pedestrian safety quickly escalated to a drug investigation.
An officer noticed an open fanny pack containing several hypodermic needles while speaking with Baez.
For safety reasons, the fanny pack was removed, and upon further search, Baez was found to be in possession of fentanyl, a bag of crack cocaine hidden under his clothing, and a substantial amount of cash.
Following the discovery, Baez was transported to the Worcester Police Headquarters for booking.
There, officers counted $1,090 in cash and weighed the recovered drugs, which totaled 18 grams of crack cocaine and 5.5 grams of fentanyl.
Baez now faces multiple charges, including trafficking in Class B substances (18-36 grams), possession of Class A substances with intent to distribute, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and operating with a revoked license.
