-from alamogordonews.com-

A 20-year-old Alamogordo resident is now behind bars after police surveillance led to his arrest on drug-related charges Wednesday.

A news release from the Department of Public Safety states Derrick Tyrell Harris, 20, of 3106 Abbott, was arrested and charged with felony trafficking cocaine by possession, felony tampering with evidence and possession of forfeitable property.

He was arrested when DPS detectives and narcotics unit agents, along with state police narcotics officers, served a search warrant at approximately 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police seized 4.9 grams of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1,250.

Police had received numerous tips about potential drug sales at the residence and police had Harris under surveillance.

The tampering charge resulted after Harris allegedly tried to prevent police from searching his pockets. He also allegedly tried to dispose of some of the crack in the back seat of the squad car.

According to court files, Harris was furloughed from jail Dec. 10, where he had been incarcerated to await sentencing on charges of burglary, two counts of larceny, receiving or disposing of stolen property and bribery of or retaliation against a witness. His sentencing is set for Jan 14 on those charges.

He was furloughed to allow him to spend time over the Christmas holiday with his grandparents, according to police.

Harris is now at the Otero County Detention Center on $35,000 bond.