An Emporia man was charged Saturday night with possession of 1.40 grams of cocaine following a traffic stop in the River Road area.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin said that officers T. Acree and D. Epps were in the area of River Road and Park Avenue when they observed a vehicle with a lighting issue go past them shortly before midnight.

Acree followed the vehicle as the driver, later identified as Michael Tyler, 22, turned toward River Road and then began exiting the road.

Acree stopped the vehicle. As Acree stepped away from the vehicle, Epps noticed the passenger holding her hands under her legs as if concealing something.

A search of the vehicle revealed a small bag containing what appeared to be cocaine under the seat.

The cocaine was seized and after claiming responsibility for the bag, Tyler was charged with possession of schedule II and received a $1,500 bond. He has a January 27 court date.

Officer Tim Strickland assisted.