A local man is facing drug charges after being pulled over near Farrell Road on State Route 347.

Michael Mendoza Jr., 30, is charged with possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, police said.

Around 7:30 p.m., A blue Dodge Neon was stopped by Maricopa police north of Farrell Road in reference to multiple moving violations. When making contact with the driver, identified as Mendoza, officers noticed he appearing to be nervous and was visibly shaking, according to the police report.

Police told Mendoza to step out of the vehicle and asked if he had taken drugs recently. Mendoza told police he had used cocaine three days earlier. When questioned again on the truth of his claim, Mendoza allegedly admitted to using meth around an hour earlier, police said.

A vehicle search was conducted, leading police to find 2.1 grams of methamphetamine in the car’s center console and a glass pipe with burnt residue in the bowl, according to the report. Officers also discovered a scale and numerous torch lighters.

Mendoza was arrested and booked into Pinal County Jail, where he was still being held Tuesday morning, according to online jail records.

Possession of dangerous drugs is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

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