GREENFIELD — A Vermont man and two juveniles were arrested on drug and firearms charges following a State Police traffic stop on Instate 91 on Jan. 16.

Richard Meinzer, 32, of Killington, Vermont, pleaded not guilty in Greenfield District Court to charges of trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, a license plate violation and not being in possession of registration. His 16- and 17-year-old passengers both pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws, illegal possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition without an FID card.

According to State Police, Trooper Anthony Levigne of the Shelburne Falls barracks was patrolling Interstate 91 in Greenfield at around 10 p.m. on Jan. 16 when he initiated a traffic stop of a gray Subaru Impreza that had a defective license plate light. While speaking with the driver, identified as Meinzer, Levigne observed paraphernalia used in the consumption of crack cocaine on the vehicle’s floor. Levigne also identified the 16- and 17-year-old passengers, though their names are not being released to the public due to their ages. Trooper Matthew Trombley then arrived to assist.

The occupants were removed from the vehicle while troopers searched the car. According to State Police, troopers found two 9mm handguns — though none of the occupants were licensed to carry firearms — as well as a large amount of a combination of substances suspected to be crack cocaine, powder cocaine and fentanyl. Troopers also located two scales commonly used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics.

The occupants were arrested and transported to the Shelburne Falls barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $25,000 for Meinzer, according to State Police. Troopers contacted the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to file proper reports regarding the arrest of the juveniles. These reports will assist DCF with an investigation into the matter.

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