Traffic stop leads to drug arrests after K9 alerts to cocaine in vehicle
CUMBERLAND, Md. — What began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a drug arrest after a K9 unit signaled something more serious inside a vehicle.
The encounter unfolded Thursday, March 26 in the area of Henderson Avenue when a Dodge truck was pulled over after crossing a double yellow line.
During the stop, a police K9 conducted a sniff around the exterior of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of drugs.
A subsequent search of the truck and its occupants led to the discovery of suspected cocaine.
Two individuals — Bethany Marie Rafferty, 36, and Derek Alan Younger, 35, both of Cumberland — were taken into custody following the search.
Rafferty was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and later released on her own recognizance.
Younger faces more serious charges, including possession with intent to distribute, and was taken to the Allegany County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
What started as a simple traffic violation quickly turned into a criminal case involving suspected narcotics.
Key Points
- Traffic stop escalated after K9 alerted to drugs
- Suspected cocaine found during vehicle search
- Two arrested with one held without bond