According to a 10/1 announcement on the Barnstable Police Department's Facebook page, the incident began on 6/1 when a thief attempted to steal a Kia parked in a residential lot in Hyannis, located on Cape Cod peninsula, Massachusetts.

The thief used a screwdriver to pry open the car's steering column but was unable to start the engine. He then opened the rear trunk, hoping to find valuables. Instead, he discovered a tape-wrapped package containing cocaine, adorned with an image of a rabbit chewing a carrot. Fearing a confrontation with drug dealers, he immediately reported his discovery to the police.

Police stated that the thief initially claimed to have found the cocaine package on the roadside but later confessed the truth of the attempted theft. The prosecutor's office is currently reviewing potential charges against him.

Evidence seized in the case, including a 1 kg cocaine package with a rabbit image. *Photo: Barnstable Police*

Following the report, police identified the Kia's owner as Edward Gillespie, 62 years old. On 8/1, officers installed surveillance cameras on a utility pole directed at the car and placed a tracking device on the Kia. Their investigation culminated in Edward's arrest as he prepared to transport cocaine from Hyannis to Nantucket.

A subsequent search of Edward's home yielded an additional 1.141 kg of cocaine and 68 grams of amphetamine pills, with a combined street value exceeding USD 64,000. Authorities also seized a gun, a digital scale, and approximately USD 10,000 in cash.

Edward has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and is currently being held at the Barnstable Correctional Facility, awaiting trial.