UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A Utica man faces drug charges after he allegedly shoved a bag with suspected cocaine in his mouth during a traffic stop.

Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Elm Street of a vehicle having no affixed license plates at approximately 7:10 PM. Police then approached the driver — 32-year-old Trevon Patterson of Utica — to interview him. Patterson then allegedly said during the interview that he had recently purchased the vehicle and was driving it home.

Officers then noticed that Patterson was allegedly attempting to conceal an item on his side, at which point police ordered him from the vehicle. At that point, officers witnessed Patterson remove a clear plastic bag and shove it into his mouth. Patterson was then detained by officers.

The Utica Fire Department was then called to the scene due to the concern for a possible overdose scenario.

After multiple requests, Patterson spit the bag onto the ground, at which point it was secured by officers. Officers say that the bag contained suspected cocaine.

Patterson was subsequently transported to the Utica Police Department. He has been charged with third-, fourth-, and seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. The third- and fourth-degree charges are both felonies, while the seventh-degree charge is a misdemeanor. Patterson is also being charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence — a felony — and Obstruction of Governmental Administration, a misdemeanor, as well as multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.