Alleged Drug Dealer Tips Police Off to His Stash

He might have gotten off scot free if only he had kept his cool, but police say a Norristown man they stopped for suspicious behavior in a high crime and drug area tipped them off to the location of his stash with the push of a button.

According to a report from the Norristown Police Department, an officer on patrol in the 100 block of West Marshall Street observed 21-year-old Armando Ortega-Aviles standing on the corner of West Marshall and Norris streets at approximately 1:26 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The area is a known for high crime and drug activity and the officer reported that Ortega-Aviles appeared nervous at the sight of his patrol car and began walking south on Norris Street away from him.

The officer conducted a pedestrian stop and while patting the man down, police say he became visibly more nervous and began to tremble. While questioning Ortega-Aviles, police say he used the remote in his pocket to lock his nearby 2003 blue Volkswagon Jetta, which was allegedly illegally parked, and then tried to discard the remote.

Because of the Ortega-Aviles' actions, police looked through the window of the vehicle and were reportedly able to see a yellow-tinted packet containing a white powdery substance that appeared to be cocaine. Police opened the vehicle to retrieve the bag and reportedly discovered a clear knotted sandwich baggie containing several other clear packets, each containing more white powdery substance. A field test kit used on the substance reportedly revealed it to be cocaine, approximately 20 grams in weight.

Ortega-Aviles was taken into custody and his car was impounded. He faces multiple drug-related charges including possession with intent to distribute.