Springfield man arrested for trafficking cocaine following traffic stop

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Springfield man is facing multiple charges, including cocaine trafficking, after being stopped by state police in Springfield on August 14.

Around 9 p.m., police observed a Ford Explorer with a dirty and hard-to-read temporary license plate, prompting a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers identified the driver as Orlando Pinto , 59, of Springfield.

During the stop, it was discovered that Pinto did not have a valid driver’s license. As Pinto stepped out of the vehicle, police noticed a plastic bag containing a large quantity of a substance suspected to be crack cocaine. Pinto was placed under arrest and taken to the rear of the cruiser while the vehicle was searched.

The search revealed two additional bags containing suspected narcotics, as well as a digital scale commonly used for drug distribution. Authorities also discovered that Pinto had outstanding misdemeanor and felony warrants from Springfield and Westfield District Courts.

Pinto was transported to the Springfield Barracks, where he was booked and ordered to be held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in Springfield District Court to face the following charges:

1. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Driver’s License (subsequent offense);
2. Trafficking in Cocaine;
3. Possession of a Class B Substance with Intent to Distribute;
4. License Plate Violation.

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