Drug Arrest in Webster Leads to Cocaine Seizure

WEBSTER — A Connecticut man faces drug trafficking charges after police seized more than 25 grams of cocaine during an arrest Friday in Webster.

Michael Marquez, 52, of North Grosvenordale, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine after detectives observed what they believed to be a drug transaction, according to the Webster Police Department.

At approximately 10:47 a.m. on June 16, detectives monitoring Second Island Road for recent complaints of drug activity observed a woman enter a Mercedes SUV at a nearby liquor store.

The vehicle then drove to a CVS parking lot on East Main Street.

After speaking with the woman, who told detectives she was paying Marquez $200 for a previous drug debt, officers approached Marquez.

He claimed to have looked at tires, which detectives said he did not observe.

A Charlton Police Department K9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics in Marquez's vehicle.

A subsequent search revealed approximately 20.9 grams of crack cocaine and 5.1 grams of powder cocaine, as well as a scale and baggies consistent with drug distribution, police said.

Marquez was released on $10,040 cash bail and arraigned in Dudley District Court on Monday.

The Webster Police Department attributed the arrest to interagency cooperation, noting in particular the assistance of the Charlton K9 unit in locating the drugs.