CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. – Zariel Melendez, a 32-year-old man from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, was arrested on March 21, 2025, after being found with nearly nine pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop on Interstate 99 in Marion Township.
State police initially stopped Melendez’s vehicle, and while conducting the stop, they observed signs of potential criminal activity. Melendez, however, refused to consent to a search of his vehicle.
A canine unit was called to the scene, and the dog alerted officers to the presence of drugs. A subsequent search warrant was obtained, leading to the discovery of four kilograms (8.8 pounds) of cocaine hidden in the vehicle.
Melendez was arrested and placed in the Centre County Prison, with bail being denied due to concerns that he was a flight risk.
