On Tuesday, June 12, Officer Kris Smith and Officer Shawn Costa of the Marion Police Department were running radar on Front St in the center of Marion. At approximately 5:05 pm, Officers Smith & Costa stopped a grey 2002 Honda Civic for speeding. The vehicle was being operated by Rachael Silvestri, age 18, of Marion.
During the traffic stop, officers observed a large quantity of marijuana in the vehicle. A K-9 from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department was called to the scene to assist with the search for additional drugs.
The passenger in the vehicle, Phong Tieu, age 20, of Rochester, MA, was arrested and charged with possessing class D drugs over one ounce and possession of class D with the intent to distribute.
The marijuana, a scale, packaging materials and $1,900 in cash were seized as evidence. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $7,000.
The vehicle was impounded by Marion Police. Ms. Silvestri will be summonsed to court on related drug charges.
Officer Kris Smith and Officer Shawn Costa were assisted at the scene by Marion Detective Scott Smith and Deputy Simmons from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department.