STAMFORD — Officers seized almost 10 ounces of cocaine during an investigation on Thursday evening, according to the Police Department. 

Samuel Melo-Cruz, 31, and Lineth Arias-Mejia, 22, both of Stamford, were charged in connection with the drugs, said Assistant Chief Richard Conklin. 

Conklin said the arrests were the result of a five-week investigation by the department’s Narcotics & Organized Crime Unit. Investigators were looking into Melo-Cruz for cocaine sales within the city and, around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, detectives and patrol officers detained him near Stillwater Avenue, according to Conklin. 

Investigators found approximately 280.8 grams of powdered cocaine on Melo-Cruz’s girlfriend, Arias-Mejia, who was in the vehicle with him prior to them both being detained, Conklin said. 

Melo-Cruz later admitted to owning the cocaine, but stated Arias-Mejia grabbed the drugs from the center console when they noticed police, according to Conklin. 

Detectives also seized $928 in cash and their vehicle, a 2018 Toyota 4Runner, Conklin said. 

Conklin noted Melo-Cruz had an extensive criminal record, including larceny, possession of burglar tools and assault offenses. 

Melo-Cruz and Arias-Mejia each are charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with the intent to sell more than 1 ounce, conspiracy to possess narcotics and conspiracy to possess narcotics with the intent to sell more than 1 ounce. Each was released on a $50,000 bond and is due to  appear at state Superior Court in Stamford June 11.