By Bonnie Culverhouse
Minden’s Safety Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) continues to benefit local entities through traffic stops on Interstate 20.
Jessica M. Morris, 22, of the 200 block of Jefferson Dr., Monroe, was arrested by MPD eastbound at mile marker 48 Saturday. She is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana and Fentanyl.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said Off. Kendale Booker was working STEP around 3:30 p.m. when he observed a grey Chevrolet Silverado traveling 86 in a 70 mile-per-hour zone.
“A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was identified as Morris,” McIver said. “The officer called for back-up and when Lt. Brandon Curry arrived, Off. Booker told him he could smell marijuana emitting from the passenger side of the vehicle.”
The smell of the controlled dangerous substance was enough to initiate a search of the vehicle, which yielded 43.1 grams of marijuana, one ultra Cigarillo package containing 2.1 grams of marijuana, a 6-pack of ultra Cigarillos (green sweet) and four Fentanyl pills in a clear plastic bag.
STEP funds collected from citations are dispersed among the City of Minden, the City Judge’s office, Minden Police Department and the Ward Marshal’s Office, after pay and other expenses are deducted.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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