The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Giovanni Rodriguez, 30, of Elizabeth, for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to police, on Feb. 22nd at approximately 11:21 a.m., Officer Nicholas Cocchi was monitoring traffic on Route 46 West when he observed a 2017 Infiniti reportedly traveling at 64 mph in a 50 mph zone.
Officials say the vehicle - which did not have a front license plate displayed - was eventually stopped and found to be operated by Rodriguez.
When police asked Rodriguez for his driving credentials, the officer detected a strong odor of raw marijuana coming from within the vehicle. The officer inquired about the pungent odor and Rodriguez allegedly told the officer that he had been granted a medical marijuana card to allow him to smoke marijuana but did not have it with him.
As the officer was preparing to conduct a probable cause search of the vehicle, Rodriguez allegedly admitted to not having a medical marijuana card issued from the State of New Jersey but rather from another state and that he did not have that with him.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected marijuana as well as a Vapor device containing suspected THC oil.
Police arrested Rodriguez and transported him to police headquarters for processing.
In addition to the drug charges, Rodriguez was also charged with speeding, careless driving and a variety of other Motor vehicle offenses.
Officials say Rodriguez was eventually released on his own recognizance pending a Mar. 7th appearance in the Fairfield Municipal Court.
The charges against Rodriguez are merely allegations and that he is presumed innocent until he either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law.