Southampton, NY – Westhampton Beach Fire Department Third Assistant Chief Kevin Raynor was arrested on felony drug charges on Saturday, after police allegedly located 175 bags of heroin in his department-issued vehicle during a traffic stop.

Raynor, 32, was stopped by Southampton Town Police Community Response Unit officers in Hampton Bays for a traffic violation at approximately 6 p.m., The Southampton Press reported.

During the course of the stop, police located 175 heroin-filled “glassine envelopes” inside Raynor’s vehicle, which investigators said he “knowingly and unlawfully possessed…with the intent to sell it,” Newsday reported.

Southampton Town Police Lieutenant James Kiernan said that the total street value of the heroin came to between $3,500 and $5,250, according to the Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch.

“This is a significant arrest,” Southampton Police Chief Steven Skrynecki said in a statement, according to The Southampton Press. “We expect it will cause a disruption to the flow of heroin in the Town of Southampton and neighboring areas.”

“The Southampton Town Police Department continues to work with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office East End Drug Task Force and others to identify and arrest anyone engaged in heroin trafficking on the East End,” Chief Skrynecki added.

Raynor was charged with third-degree and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and was released on $5,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty on Sunday, Newsday reported.

His attorney, Robert Macedonio, did not explain why his client was allegedly in possession of 175 packages of heroin, but argued that Raynor is innocent.

Macedonio also noted that Raynor comes from a “respected family in the community,” has no prior criminal history, and is a longtime resident of Westhampton Beach.

“We will vigorously defend Mr. Raynor,” he added. “Once our investigation is complete, we believe it will result in a positive outcome for Mr. Raynor.”

According to Westhampton Beach Fire Department Chief Billy Dalton, Raynor has been suspended from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The Westhampton Beach Fire Department has a zero-tolerance drug policy and does not condone any illegal activity,” Chief Dalton said. “If the allegations are true, we hope Kevin gets the help he needs.”

Raynor’s photograph was removed from the department’s website on Monday, The Southampton Press reported.

He is scheduled to appear before the court on Jan. 16, 2019.