RAYNHAM — A routine traffic stop for a cell phone violation led to a fentanyl trafficking arrest on Wednesday morning.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., Massachusetts State Police Trooper Paul Martin, stationed at SP-Middleborough Barracks, observed a driver using a cell phone while operating a black Nissan on Route 24 southbound.
Trooper Martin initiated a stop and approached the operator, identified as Joshua Bordes, 24, of Taunton.
Bordes was unable to provide a valid driver’s license or vehicle registration.
During his search for registration documents, Bordes exposed a large stack of US currency in the center console, which aroused suspicion of drug activity.
Due to his failure to produce a license and vehicle paperwork, Trooper Martin detained Bordes in the patrol car.
An electronic records check revealed Bordes’s license was suspended, and he had two active warrants for his arrest.
After advising Bordes of his arrest and rights, Trooper Martin secured the vehicle and returned to the barracks with Bordes in custody.
A subsequent search of the Nissan by a K9 unit led to a discovery of a hidden compartment in the rear passenger door, which contained four bags of fentanyl with an approximate weight of 40 grams.
Bordes was processed according to department policy and later arraigned in Taunton District Court on charges of trafficking in fentanyl, operating a vehicle with a suspended license, and operating a motor vehicle while holding an electronic device.
