NJ man arrested after found with ‘pink cocaine’ during traffic stop

A New Jersey man was arrested on drug charges after he was allegedly found to have a bag of “pink cocaine” on him during a traffic stop.

Officers with the Fairfield Police Department pulled over a blue Honda Accord on Passaic Avenue just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police. As one of the officers spoke with the driver and passengers, he saw several open containers of marijuana in the car.

One of the passengers, Joseph Pabon, was sweating profusely and appeared to be extremely energetic during the stop, police said, as he moved around and wasn’t able to remain still inside the vehicle.

The three men were asked to get out of the car in order for police to investigate further. As officers spoke with Pabon, he was said to have given two different accounts of events that night.

When officers searched the vehicle, they allegedly found a bag containing a pink powdery substance known as “Tusi,” also commonly known as “2C” or “pink cocaine.” Other drug paraphernalia — like a scale and small plastic bags — were found as well, according to police.

The 22-year-old Pabon, of Clifton, was arrested and charged with distribution and possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and having open containers of marijuana in the car.

The other passenger, Santiago Cardonavilla, had pink powder residue under his nose. The 23-year-old from Paterson was arrested as well, charged with being under the influence. The driver was not charged.

Attorney information for Pabon and Cardonavilla was not immediately clear. Pabon was taken to Essex County jail, while Cardonavilla was released pending a court appearance.