NH State Police: Massachusetts Man Tried To Swallow Evidence

PORTSMOUTH, NH — A Massachusetts man accused of attempting to swallow possible drug evidence during a New Hampshire State Police highway stop was charged with felony drug possession and falsifying evidence Friday morning. Police say the suspect tried to swallow “small, clear baggies, with a white powder inside” to conceal evidence during a stop on Interstate 95 southbound about 6:42 a.m.

State Police say they responded to a report from Triple-A of an erratic driver who had hit something in Maine before entering New Hampshire. They pulled over the white Honda Civic of Rueben DaSilva, 23, of Dorchester, Mass., less than a mile into the state. Police say that while being questioned DaSilva attempted to ingest the possible evidence.

As troopers attempted to prevent him from swallowing the baggies, they said he resisted, and continued to try to put bags into his mouth. He was subdued and placed under arrest for felony possession of a controlled drug, felony falsifying physical evidence, and transportation of a controlled drug.

Police say medical personnel were called to the scene, but that DaSilva refused treatment. He is scheduled to be arraigned next Friday morning at Rockingham Superior Court.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call NH State Police Trooper Kevin Dobson at 603-223-8490 or kevin.dobson@dos.nh.gov.