A 32-year-old Puerto Rican man is behind bars in Centre County after he was found to be in possession of 8 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop on Friday. State police identified him as Zariel Melendez. A state police press release noted that during the stop, signs of criminal activity were observed and Melendez denied a request to search his vehicle. Reportedly, a drug detecting canine was brought in and alerted authorities to the scent of controlled substances. During the search 8 pounds of cocaine was found with a street value of $170,000. Melendez is currently behind bars at the Centre County Prison, where bail has been denied. He faces a preliminary hearing on April 2nd.
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