Major Drug Seizure Near Pocatello by Idaho State Police

On July 2, 2024, the Idaho State Police Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) Team conducted a pivotal traffic stop near Pocatello, Idaho, leading to a substantial drug bust.

Traffic Stop and Initial Observations

While patrolling Interstate 86, a DHE trooper noticed a white 2015 Hyundai Genesis with an invalid registration and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, a 23-year-old woman from Tulare, California, was found to be without a valid driver’s license. The trooper noted suspicious behavior from the vehicle’s occupants and detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the car. Upon closer inspection, marijuana products were visible inside the vehicle.

Discovery of Drugs

A thorough search of the Hyundai resulted in the discovery of multiple THC vape cartridges and a significant quantity of methamphetamine. Specifically, 18 plastic packages containing methamphetamine, weighing approximately 18.1 pounds, were found.

Arrests Made

The female driver was arrested and booked into the Bannock County Jail on charges of Trafficking Methamphetamine. Additionally, a 34-year-old female passenger, also from Tulare, California, faced the same charges and was booked into Bannock County Jail. Two juvenile males in the vehicle were arrested and booked into the Bannock County Juvenile Detention Center for Trafficking Illegal Drugs.

Statements from Law Enforcement

"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." - Idaho State Police

Importance of Patrols and Traffic Stops

The effective response from law enforcement professionals during this encounter underscores the critical role of patrols and traffic stops in identifying and disrupting criminal activities. Through proactive measures, partnerships, and high-visibility patrols, the Idaho State Police (ISP) continue to strive for public safety.

About the DHE Team

As part of Governor Little's Esto Perpetua initiative, the ISP Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) Team consists of 14 members, including seven canine handlers, deployed statewide. The team employs advanced intervention techniques to address emerging criminal trends.

Multi-Jurisdictional Efforts

The DHE Team functions as a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force aimed at identifying, disrupting, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations on local, multi-state, and international levels. This intelligence-driven, multi-agency, prosecutor-supported approach is bolstered by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The program, supported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), coordinates and funds multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives to ensure operational effectiveness.