Traffic Stop In Vernon Leads To Discovery Of In-Car Drug Store

VERNON, CT — Vernon police seized a sizable drug stash after a traffic stop late last week.

At 4:55 p.m. Friday, an officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Laurel Street near Grove Street, police said.

The officer observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, located located 6.5 ounces of marijuana, 17.5 grams of crack cocaine, 22 packages of marijuana edibles, $8,979.00 in cash, and two cell phones, police said.

The occupant of the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Andre Tilghman, of Vernon, was charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance, second offense
• Possession with intent to sell/distribute
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Interfering with police
• Illegal window tint
• Failure to wear a safety belt