Two adults, two juveniles arrested after state police find 18 pounds of meth in car following traffic stop near Pocatello

POCATELLO — On July 2nd, 2024, the Idaho State Police Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) Team conducted a traffic stop near Pocatello, Idaho, which resulted in a significant drug seizure.

While patrolling Interstate 86, a DHE trooper observed a white 2015 Hyundai Genesis with a registration that was invalid. A traffic stop was initiated. The driver, a 23-year-old female from Tulare, California, did not have a valid driver's license. Suspicious behavior was observed from the occupants. The trooper also detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed marijuana products inside the Hyundai.

A thorough vehicle search was conducted. Troopers discovered and seized multiple THC vape cartridges and significant quantities of methamphetamine. Eighteen plastic packages containing methamphetamine, weighing approximately 18.1 pounds were located inside the Hyundai.

The female driver was arrested and booked into the Bannock County Jail for Trafficking Methamphetamine. The three additional occupants in the vehicle were also arrested. A 34-year-old female also from Tulare, California was booked into Bannock County Jail for Trafficking Methamphetamine. Two juvenile males were also arrested and booked into Bannock County Juvenile Detention Center for Trafficking Illegal Drugs.

"This seizure highlights our unwavering commitment to removing illegal drugs from our communities," stated DHE Canine Sergeant Chris Cottrell. "These dangerous substances pose significant risks to public health and safety, and we remain dedicated to protecting our citizens."

Law enforcement professionals' effective responses during encounters showcase the importance of patrols and traffic stops to identify and disrupt criminal activities. Through proactive measures, partnerships, and high-visibility patrols, ISP continues working to keep the public safe. As part of Governor Little’s Esto Perpetua, the ISP Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) Team is comprised of 14 members, including seven canine handlers, spread throughout the state using the latest intervention techniques to combat emerging criminal trends.

The DHE Team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency, prosecutor-supported approach. The Team is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, composed of members from the Idaho State Police. This is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, ensuring the effectiveness of our operations.