TAMPA, Fla.  (CBS Tampa/AP) — Former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes was arrested Thursday on drug charges and for trying to destroy or tamper with the evidence by eating it.

The arrest happened early Thursday when Dukes’ 2011 Chevrolet Camaro was pulled over for a traffic violation.

Police say they noticed a small bag of marijuana on Dukes’ lap and he then tried to stick the drug in his mouth as if he was going to ingest it.

Officers also noticed a marijuana cigarette tucked behind Dukes’ ear. The 27-year-old is being held on $4,750 bail at the Hillsborough County Jail. It’s unclear whether he’s retained an attorney.

He faces charges of tampering with physical evidence, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Dukes has been arrested five times in the past year, mostly on driving offenses.

Other past charges include assault, domestic violence and contempt of court.  In 2007, Dukes was accused of  impregnating a teen in foster care at a relative of Duke’s.  In 2010, he owed three women child support and alimony which totaled over $140,000.

Dukes played for the Rays in 2007 and last played with the Nationals in 2009.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.