ORANGE — Two men were arrested Sunday after a traffic stop in Orange led to the discovery of a pistol and a Class D substance.
Massachusetts State Police arrested Darius Fuentes, 26, of Amherst and Thomas Racine, 19, of Gardner, and charged both with possession of a Class D drug with intent to distribute.
In addition, Fuentes was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license to carry or firearms identification card, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and speeding. Racine was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to a statement by state police, Trooper Juan Sandoval stopped a black Nissan Altima on Route 202 for speeding. Fuentes, the driver, did not have a driver’s license, nor did Racine, his passenger.
Upon searching the vehicle, Sandoval and Troopers Patrick Donoghue and Linares Nunez found a black Colt .45 caliber pistol with a bullet in the chamber. Neither Fuentes nor Racine were licensed to carry a firearm in Massachusetts.
Police did not specify what drug they suspect the men of intending to distribute. However, a photograph released by state police media shows a large bag of what appears to be marijuana.
Also pictured is a black handgun beside seven bullets, and at least $890 in cash.
Both men were booked at the Athol State Police Barracks and arraigned Monday in Orange District Court. Both men entered not guilty please and the cases have been continued to July 20 for pretrial conferences.