Cops: Chester Driver Hid 'Large Quantity' of Pot Under Spare Tire

A routine patrol stop in Chester Borough led police to find five ounces of marijuana hidden inside a luxury vehicle, Chief David Jara said.

On Monday, May 19 around 9 p.m., Sgt. Cebo of the Chester Borough police stopped a Porsche SUV on West Main Street near the entrance of the Chester Shopping Mall for a defective headlight and rear brake light, Jara said. While speaking with the driver, identified as Eric McCarthy, 22, of Chester, Cebo smelled raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, Jara said.

Cebo called for the Morris County K9 Unit to assist, which conducted a narcotic search of the exterior of the vehicle. The K9 indicated there were narcotics inside the vehicle, and McCarthy consented to a search of the car, Jara said.

During the search, police found five ounces of marijuana under the spare tire, Jara said.

McCarthy was charged with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park, possession of marijuana (more than one ounce, less than five pounds), and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also cited for motor vehicle infractions, including possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and maintenance of lamps.

McCarthy was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10-percent option.

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