Louisiana traffic stop leads to drug charges

When faced with an authority figure, it is often second nature to acquiesce to a request. However, when a person is pulled over by a police officer, it may be in their best interest to decline permission to conduct a search without a warrant, for example. Unfortunately, a traffic stop in Louisiana has recently resulted in drug charges.

The incident that led to two arrests happened on a day in early December. According to reports, police conducted a traffic stop of a 36-year-old man. As a result of that stop, officers say they discovered over $70,000 in cash. It is unclear what prompted the stop or how the money was discovered, but the man was arrested and charged with money laundering.

The investigation into the incident led officer’s to an apartment allegedly connected to the man. Police say that his 35-year-old wife gave them permission to search the apartment. During the search, they reportedly discovered almost $10,000 in cash, marijuana, heroin, a stolen gun and drug paraphernalia that police believe was intended to use to make and distribute illegal drugs. The woman has since been charged with multiple drug and weapon charges.

Many people in Louisiana are unaware of their options when facing a request from police. However, they are protected from certain searches if there is no search warrant. To help this husband and wife determine whether their rights were violated in the events leading up to their arrests on drug charges, among others, they may benefit from seeking the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Source: theadvocate.com, “I-10 traffic stops leads to Covington pair’s arrest, $825K of heroin in home safe“, Dec. 6, 2017