Springfield police K9 finds trafficking weight of cocaine, man arrested

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Police Department’s K9 Flexx assisted detectives in seizing a significant amount of cocaine and arresting a local man on drug trafficking charges Tuesday afternoon.

At about 3:40 p.m., the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sergeant Jaime Bruno, arrested 34-year-old Jose Valentin following a month-long investigation into his alleged involvement in narcotics sales.

Earlier that day, at around 1:00 p.m., detectives had conducted mobile surveillance of Valentin as he drove along Boston Road and then observed what appeared to be a drug transaction on Division Street.

After Valentin drove into the Forest Park area, detectives, with backup arriving, executed a traffic stop near Sumner Avenue and Cliftwood Street.

Meanwhile, back at 130 Pearl Street, K9 Flexx was deployed to search Valentin’s vehicle.

The police dog alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the car’s front cabin.

A subsequent search by detectives led to the discovery of 98 bags of heroin, approximately 12.8 grams of cocaine, about 13.2 grams of crack cocaine, and $351 in cash.

Valentin, of Springfield, has been charged with trafficking in cocaine, 18-36 grams, and possession with the intent to distribute a Class A drug.