6.5 pounds of cocaine allegedly found in Cayucos man's car during traffic stop

A Cayucos man stopped on Highway 41 for speeding Wednesday night was allegedly found in possession of an estimated 6.5 pounds of cocaine.

The Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that at about 6:30 p.m., Alexander Allan Matarese, 31, was pulled over on Highway 41 at Cripple Creek Road in Creston.

The deputy approached the car and reportedly saw a plastic bag filled with what appeared to be cocaine in the center console of the car. Matarese admitted it was cocaine, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and a K-9 unit searched the car and allegedly found about three kilograms, or about 6.5 pounds, of packaged cocaine.

Matarese was arrested on suspicion of possessing and transporting a controlled substance for sale.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Cipolla said Friday that the agency is suggesting felony sales charges to the District Attorney’s Office based on the amount of cocaine seized.

As of Friday morning, Matarese remained in custody in the San Luis Obispo County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

This story was originally published July 10, 2015 at 11:20 AM with the headline "6.5 pounds of cocaine allegedly found in Cayucos man's car during traffic stop."