Southbridge man charged with drug trafficking after traffic stop

SOUTHBRIDGE – A routine traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a Southbridge man on multiple drug trafficking charges Tuesday evening.

At approximately 6:11 p.m., a Southbridge Police Officer observed a vehicle driven by Dale Laliberte committing a traffic violation on East Main Street.

Laliberte, 51, allegedly tried to elude police by accelerating and making an abrupt U-turn, nearly colliding with another vehicle and driving on the other side of the road.

After finally stopping at the corner of Overland and Morris Streets, an investigation by the officer revealed a digital scale, a large sum of cash believed to be drug proceeds, and over 20 grams of suspected fentanyl.

Also seized from a bag that Laliberte had thrown out of his vehicle before stopping were suspected cocaine and prescription drugs, presumably clonazepam, all packaged for distribution.

Laliberte, of 3 Westford Hills Road in Westford, MA, is charged with, among other things, trafficking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl, possession of Class B cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of Class C clonazepam with intent to distribute.

Other charges include failing to stop for police, using an electronic device while driving and ignoring marked road markings.

The suspect was remanded on bail and arraigned at Dudley District Court.