Lab Tests Show RI Lawmaker Busted On Pot Charge Had Cocaine In System
EAST HAVEN, CONN. (AP) - Laboratory tests show that a Rhode Island lawmaker had cocaine in his system when he was stopped at a police checkpoint and charged with marijuana possession in Connecticut in April.
East Haven, Conn., Deputy Police Chief John Mannion said Friday that Rep. Robert Watson's urine tested positive for cocaine and marijuana.
East Haven police stopped Watson April 22 and arrested him for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. Tests showed Watson's blood alcohol level was below state limits. Watson said he had marijuana because he uses it to treat recurring pain from pancreatitis, but hadn't smoked the day of his arrest.
Watson, R-East Greenwich, lost his leadership position as House minority leader following his arrest.
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