Williamsport, PA – What began as a routine traffic stop on Interstate 80 turned into a major drug bust earlier this month after state police discovered more than 10 kilograms of illegal narcotics hidden inside an SUV. The driver, Evan Mathew McCoy, 29, of Madison, Wisconsin, is now facing federal drug trafficking charges.
The Incident: Routine Stop Turns Into Drug Seizure
According to a police affidavit, the incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. on October 16, when a Pennsylvania State Police trooper pulled over a 2025 Cadillac Escalade for following another vehicle too closely westbound on Interstate 80, just west of Route 15 in Union County.
During the traffic stop, McCoy appeared nervous and declined the trooper’s request to search the vehicle. As a result, a state police K-9 unit was called to the scene.
The drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics on the exterior of the SUV, prompting troopers to seize the vehicle for a full search under a court-issued warrant.
The Escalade was towed to the Milton state police barracks, where troopers later discovered multiple large containers and several plastic bags filled with substances suspected to be narcotics.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Authorities conducted field tests on the seized materials, which tested positive for ketamine, cocaine, and fentanyl — three powerful controlled substances.
Investigators estimate the combined total to exceed 10 kilograms of drugs, though official lab results are still pending confirmation. A federal prosecutor said the findings represent one of the largest seizures in the region this year.
The state charges originally filed against McCoy were dropped after federal prosecutors took over the case. McCoy has since been indicted in the U.S. Middle District Court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison depending on the quantities confirmed.
Court Proceedings and Federal Indictment
On Wednesday, McCoy was arraigned in federal court in Williamsport. The unsealed indictment revealed a forfeiture clause requiring McCoy to surrender both his Cadillac Escalade 600 and $6,280 in cash if convicted.
Federal court documents note that McCoy has been ordered detained pending further proceedings, citing the serious nature of the charges and the potential for flight risk.
“The amount of narcotics seized and the defendant’s multi-state ties make pretrial release inappropriate,” a prosecutor stated during the hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing, with federal agents and Pennsylvania State Police coordinating efforts to determine the source and destination of the drugs.
Statements and Reactions
Authorities have not released additional details about McCoy’s possible connections to larger drug networks, but law enforcement officials say the seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of routine highway enforcement in intercepting high-value narcotics shipments.
“This is a clear reminder that vigilant patrol work continues to play a major role in disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs through Pennsylvania,” said a state police spokesperson.
Officials added that the drugs recovered — particularly fentanyl — pose a severe threat to public safety, noting that even small quantities can be lethal.
Background Context: Fentanyl and Interstate Trafficking
The case underscores the ongoing challenge of fentanyl trafficking across U.S. highways, especially in states like Pennsylvania, which serve as key corridors for drug transport between the Midwest and the East Coast.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl seizures in Pennsylvania have risen more than 50% over the past year, with Interstate 80 frequently cited as a high-risk route for smuggling operations.
Experts say the combination of cocaine, ketamine, and fentanyl found in this case is particularly concerning, as it reflects the growing trend of poly-drug trafficking — a practice where multiple narcotics are moved together to maximize profit.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Federal authorities are awaiting the results of laboratory analysis to confirm the precise composition and weight of the drugs seized. Once confirmed, prosecutors are expected to amend the indictment to reflect the final figures.
McCoy remains in federal custody at a detention facility pending trial. A court date has not yet been scheduled.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has stated that asset forfeiture proceedings will move forward immediately, targeting any vehicles or cash connected to the alleged trafficking operation.
Conclusion
What began as a simple traffic stop quickly escalated into one of Pennsylvania’s largest highway drug seizures in recent months. With over 10 kilograms of narcotics, including fentanyl, taken off the streets, authorities say the case highlights the continued importance of routine patrol vigilance and inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
What are your thoughts on this case and the rising number of highway drug busts in Pennsylvania? Share your views in the comments below.
