Suspected cocaine found during I-70 traffic stop; 2nd arrest in as many weeks

A New Mexico man is behind bars after, state police said, about 17 pounds of suspected cocaine was found in the pickup he was driving west on Interstate 70 in Westmoreland County.

Troopers said the driver of a GMC Sierra committed a traffic violation about 9 a.m. Tuesday near mile marker 78 in Hempfield. When police grew suspicious during the traffic stop and asked to search the pickup, driver Jose A. Jiminez, 21, gave them permission while admitting a small amount of cocaine was inside, according to court papers.

After state police dog Senna indicated drugs were present, the pickup was towed and Jiminez detained, troopers said. They reported a search turned up a small amount of suspected cocaine and about 17 pounds of a controlled substance in a duffel bag in the backseat.

Police said a field test showed the substance in the bag likely is cocaine. Jiminez is charged with possession with intent to deliver and drug possession. He was denied bail and was taken to the Westmoreland County Prison. He did not have an attorney listed in online court records.

An Aug. 13 preliminary hearing is set.

It’s the second time in as many weeks a person from out of state was arrested in Westmoreland County after state police said they were transporting a large amount cocaine.

Miguel Ramirez Rodriguez, 30, of Orlando, Fla., was arrested July 23 after troopers reported finding more than 37 pounds of suspected cocaine inside a hidden compartment of the SUV he was driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Police made a traffic stop near mile marker 83 in Mt. Pleasant Township.

He also was denied bail. An Aug. 20 preliminary hearing is scheduled in that case.