A traffic stop for a seat belt violation on Wednesday afternoon led to the arrest of two Washington residents on drug charges when 21 pounds of marijuana were discovered inside backpacks and duffle bags in the trunk, Oregon State Police (OSP) reported.
On December 13, troopers pulled over a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier on Interstate 5 near milepost 18 about 1 p.m. for a possible seat belt violation, OSP said. A drug-detecting canine present during the stop alerted to the trunk of the car, and a search revealed 19 individually vacuum-sealed bags of pot inside the bags and backpacks.
Christopher Watson (left), and Alta Marie Schufreider (right) - OSP photos
Troopers seized about 21 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $35,000 - OSP photo
The estimated value of the marijuana is $35,000, troopers said.
Christopher Watson, the 24-year old driver from Lacy, Washington, and passenger Alta Marie Schufreider, 22, of Newcastle, were taken into custody and lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
Both were charged with possession, distribution, and manufacturing of a controlled substance, OSP reported.