Stamford authorities conducting a traffic stop ended up arresting a man after 23 grams of MDMA, the drug commonly known on the street as "Molly," was found in the trunk of his vehicle, police said Thursday.
According to Capt. Richard Conklin, Narcotics & Organized Crime Unit officers were on patrol in the area of Sound View Avenue and Sound View Drive at approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday witnessed an older model Chevy Cavalier blow through a stop sign and conducted a motor vehicle stop.
When the officers approached the car to speak with the driver, identified as Patrick Santagata, 20, of 51 Kenilworth Drive East, they detected the odor of marijuana and asked him if he was in possession of any of the drug, Conklin said. Santagata allegedly told the officers he was not and that his friend had just smoked in his car, but a search of his person revealed a small amount of marijuana.
After finding the marijuana on Santagata's person, Conklin said a further search of the vehicle was conducted and 23 grams of MDMA in its prepackaged powder form. The street value of the drug would be thousands of dollars, Conklin said, who noted he's seen an increase in the presence of the drug around the region over the last year.
Santagata, who Conklin said claimed he was holding the drug for a friend, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell, and failure to obey a stop sign. He was released after posting bond and issued a court date of January 21, 2014.
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