A traffic stop conducted by the Picayune Police Department Special Operations Division on March 4 led to the arrest of a man on drug trafficking and evidence tampering charges.

Detectives stopped a Dodge Durango on South Beech Street near Williamsburg Avenue for traffic violations. According to the department, officers gathered probable cause to search the vehicle during the stop.

During the search, a passenger, identified as Harold Joseph Marks Jr., was found to have a baggie containing fentanyl residue on his person. Investigators determined that Marks tampered with physical evidence by disposing of approximately 50 pressed fentanyl pills into a partially consumed Coke can in the vehicle’s center console. The can also contained marijuana buds.

Officers also located a glass jar containing marijuana and empty baggies near Marks. He was arrested and charged with two counts of tampering with physical evidence, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and trafficking a controlled substance (fentanyl).

The driver of the vehicle, who was not identified, was issued a citation and released from the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate additional arrests.