MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, PA — A Florida man is in custody after Pennsylvania State Police discovered more than 37 pounds of suspected cocaine and a firearm hidden inside a modified compartment of his vehicle during a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Troopers pulled over a Ford Explorer on July 23 near mile marker 83 in Mount Pleasant Township for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as Miguel Ramirez Rodriguez of Orlando, Florida.
During the stop, troopers became suspicious of criminal activity and asked for consent to search the vehicle. Ramirez Rodriguez agreed, and troopers located an after-market electronic hidden compartment in the center console. Inside, they recovered over 37 pounds of suspected cocaine and a pistol.
Authorities said Ramirez Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions in Florida. He was arrested and charged with multiple drug and firearm-related offenses.
Ramirez Rodriguez is being held at Westmoreland County Prison on $250,000 bail.