A Watertown man faces drug charges after crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $4,500 allegedly was found in his possession during a traffic stop Tuesday morning on Interstate 81.

Hakim T. Elquhir, 31, of 1212 Superior St., Apt. D14, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after nearly 2 ounces of the drug was found in a clear plastic bag “next to his groin area,” according to Watertown City Court documents.

A Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy became suspicious after his police dog “made a hit” on the vehicle at 8:20 a.m., said Chris Cuppernell, supervisor of the Metro-Jeff Drug Task Force.

A search warrant subsequently was issued and members of the drug task force searched the vehicle. Police said Mr. Elquhir, whom they described as a “significant” drug dealer, was returning from New York City.

He was arraigned before Watertown City Judge Eugene R. Renzi and was sent to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building with bail set at $20,000. He also was cited with having a suspended license.

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