Traffic stop near Square One Mall leads to seizure of drugs valued at $15,000 and the arrest of a Saugus man

While on patrol near the Square One Mall last Friday (May 30), Saugus Police Sergeant Stephen Rappa saw what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug deal involving two cars. Upon observing this behavior, Sergeant Rappa conducted a motor vehicle stop of one of the cars involved in the transaction, according to a statement issued this week by the Saugus Police Department.

“Chief Michael Ricciardelli credits Sergeant Rappa for acting on his observations and instincts and performing exceptional police work,” police said. “During the search of his car, officers discovered and seized a substantial amount of marijuana, marijuana-THC products, hallucinogenic mushrooms, drug paraphernalia and hundreds of dollars in cash.”

The driver of the car – Pablo Correa, 34, of Saugus – was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a class D substance, and possession with intent to distribute a class C substance. Police estimate the street value of the drugs at $15,000.

“As a reminder, in Massachusetts, when outside the home, an individual may possess up to one ounce of marijuana or its equivalent in other forms of the product,” police said.

“In this case, the amounts permissible by law far exceed that which is permissible for personal use and such amounts, packaging and other evidence seized are consistent with drug distribution,” police said. “Saugus police remind the community that individuals are legally forbidden to sell or possess with intent to sell marijuana or marijuana products in any amount without being duly licensed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.”