A traffic stop for a speeding motorist along I-84 led to the seizure of more than 12 pounds of cocaine and multiple charges for two women and a man from Waterbury, according to police.

According to a press release we received from the Connecticut State Police - Troop A - Southbury, the incident happened yesterday, Sunday, February 21, 2021, at around 2:30 in the afternoon. TFC Houle #956 was conducting Traffic Enforcement when he saw a speeding Honda Ridgeline vehicle approaching the Exit 16 area of I-84 Westbound in Middlebury where Houle pulled the vehicle over.

Police say that during the course of the traffic stop, the vehicle was searched after probable cause was developed and Trooper Houle found 5.66 kg (12.47 POUNDS) of suspected cocaine partially concealed in the back seat of the vehicle. All three occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody and face charges.

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The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Joao Burgos-Alvarado, 30, of Whittier Ave in Waterbury. Burgos-Alvarado was charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell and Speeding. The front seat passenger has been identified as Maranyelis Pacheco, 29, of South Main Street in Waterbury. Pacheco has been charged with 1 count of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell. The rear-seat passenger has been identified as Cynthia Lacen-Pellot, 39, of Carolina, PR. Lacen-Pellot has also been charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell.

All three were taken into custody, and released on $20,000 surety bonds. They will appear in Waterbury Superior Court on May 20, 2021 to face their charges.

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