Broken Break Light Leads to Fentanyl and Cocaine Bust

Massachusetts State Troopers seized fentanyl and cocaine earlier this week after a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light.

Around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, Trooper Anthony Lavigne was patrolling Route 91 Northbound in Greenfield. He observed a blue Ford Fusion with a brake light that was not functioning traveling in excess of the posted 55 miles per hour limit of a construction zone north of Exit 43. Trooper Lavigne initiated a motor vehicle stop and approached the operator, Sara Moses, 40, of Vernon Vt. Moses stated she was licensed in Vermont but did not have her license in her possession as is required by law.

Trooper Lavigne was able to observe in the door pocket a glass pipe with burnt residue at the end and other drug paraphernalia. He also observed the passenger, Tyonne Pierce, 29, of East Hartford, Conn. reaching between his right leg and the door.

Trooper Lavigne ordered Pierce to keep his hands in sight, and Troopers Robert Berrena and Matthew McBride arrived on the scene to assist. As Trooper Lavigne placed Moses in handcuffs, Trooper Berrena observed a switchblade knife in Pierce’s waistband. Pierce was removed from the vehicle, the knife was secured, and he was placed into handcuffs. Moses was found to be in possession of a white chunky substance believed to be crack cocaine. At that time both Moses and PIERCE were read their Miranda rights.

A search of the vehicle revealed a black digital scale covered in a white powdery substance and the glass pipe in the driver’s side door. In the trunk Troopers found a small backpack containing 500 individually packaged wax bags stamped “JACKPOT” containing a white powdery substance believed to be 14.6 grams of fentanyl. Also found in the bag, was an Arizona Tea Can capable to be screwed in half in order to disguise items. Inside the can was over 50 grams of crack cocaine, additional packaging bags, and rubber bands.

Moses and Pierce were placed under arrest and transported to the Shelburne Falls barracks for booking. The pair were scheduled to appear in Greenfield District Court on the following charges.

MOSES:

1. Trafficking In Fentanyl;

2. Trafficking In Cocaine;

3. Conspiracy To Violate Drug Law;

4. Unlicensed Operation Of A Motor Vehicle;

5. Speeding; and

6. Lights Violation.

PIERCE:

1. Trafficking In Fentanyl;

2. Trafficking In Cocaine;

3. Conspiracy To Violate Drug Law; and

4. Carrying A Dangerous Weapon.