Published: 7/29/2020 4:46:36 PM
HOLYOKE — State police arrested a city man on drug distribution charges Tuesday night after a traffic stop on High Street led to the discovery of 500 bags of heroin.
Trooper Patrick Dolan out of the Northampton Barracks was on patrol at Worcester Place in Holyoke around 7:25 p.m. when he saw a black Acura commit multiple motor vehicle violations, according to a statement released by police.
The car was stopped on High Street and Dolan identified the driver as 31-year-old Santiago Soltren-Ramirez. While speaking with Soltren-Ramirez, Dolan observed several wax paper folds stamped with blue ink in the center console area of the car, according to police.
When Soltren-Ramirez was taken out of his car, several more wax paper bags stamped with blue ink reportedly fell from his lap. Soltren-Ramirez was placed under arrest.
Dolan searched Soltren-Ramirez’s car and allegedly found 500 bags of a substance believed to be heroin, a plastic bag containing pills believed to be MDMA and $613 in cash, according to police.
Soltren-Ramirez was transported to the Northampton barracks and charged with possession to distribute a class A substance, second offense; possession of a class B substance, second offense; a number plate violation and an equipment violation. He was brought to the Hampshire House of Correction pending his Wednesday arraignment in Holyoke District Court.
Michael Connors can be reached at mconnors@gazettenet.com.