GUILDERLAND — A Utica man was sentenced to seven years in state prison on Friday in Albany County Court for possession of cocaine.

Brandell Watkins, 31, was arrested on March 12, at approximately 6:59 p.m., on Interstate 87 in the town of Guilderland. Members of the New York State Police stopped Brandell for speeding, and, when they approached the vehicle, marijuana residue was visible on the rear driver’s-side floor, according to a press release from the Albany County District Attorney’s office.

Police searched of the trunk and found approximately 500 grams of cocaine in the rear driver’s-side wheel well, the release said.

Watkins pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, on April 10.

On Friday, Judge Peter Lynch sentenced him to seven years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Assistant District Attorney Joseph Brucato of the Street Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

— Anne Hayden Harwood