Leicester Police Station (file photo)
Photo credit: Daniel Castro

LEICESTER, Mass. — An Auburn man was arrested last Saturday in Leicester for possession with intent to distribute, after police discovered multiple bags of marijuana and other items related to the sale of the drug during a routine motor vehicle stop.

At 1 am. on Saturday, Jan. 28, Austin Pickett was pulled over by Hank's Marine on Main St. in Leicester for having a headlight out.

Pickett aroused suspicion by making "furtive movements" and reaching toward the floor as the officer approached the vehicle, according to Chief Jim Hurley of the Leicester Police Department.

The officer could smell "the odor of freshly burnt marijuana," and observed a marijuana cigarette in the console.

After further investigation, police seized multiple bags of marijuana, plastic bags, packaging materials, a grinder, pipes, a mason jar of marijuana buds, over $500 in cash, and a scale.

"They grind the marijuana, then they package it, then they sell it — so everything was there," said Hurley.

Pickett was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Sgt. Daniel Dyson and Officer Mike Fontaine conducted the investigation, and were assisted by Massachusetts State Police.