WARWICK A Superior Court judge on Monday struck evidence in two cases after finding that state troopers violated the alleged suspects’ rights by unconstitutionally converting routine traffic stops into narcotics investigations and warrantless searches.
Judge Daniel A, Procaccini suppressed evidence in two cases involving out-of-state drivers of color traveling along a section of Route 95 identified by law enforcement as a drug-trafficking corridor. In one case, the judge struck 94 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana. In the other, he barred a stolen firearm and armor-piercing ammunition.
Procaccini rejected arguments that the men’s nervousness gave troopers reasonable suspicion to prolong the traffic stops and subsequently search the vehicles. He also rejected arguments that a faint odor of marijuana could justify a warrantless search, particularly as more states legalize marijuana use.