Fall River man arrested, charged with drug trafficking

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A Fall River man was arrested and charged with drug trafficking last week.

The Massachusetts State Police Department said 55-year-old Michael Couto was pulled over for texting and driving when he was found to be in possession of fentanyl and crack cocaine.

Authorities said officers conducted the traffic stop on May 1 when they saw Couto holding a phone in front of his face while driving on Pleasant Street.

Police discovered that Couto’s license was suspended, removed him from the car, and placed him into handcuffs.

A body search of Couto led to the discovery of a golf ball-sized baggie of fentanyl and a smaller baggie of crack cocaine, per officials.

Officers then searched his car, finding several individually bundled packages of fentanyl and a stun gun.

Couto was arraigned in Fall River District Court on charges of:

• Trafficking in fentanyl
• Possession with intent to distribute cocaine (subsequent offense)
• Possession of cocaine (subsequent offense)
• Possession of electric stun gun
• Operation of a motor vehicle with suspended license
• Holding an electronic device while driving