Man taken into custody on a drug charge in Louisiana

A bus heading eastbound on Interstate 12 in Baton Rouge was pulled over at 2:15 a.m. on Oct. 16 for a traffic violation. While the bus was stopped, a K-9 Narcotics unit searched its luggage cargo section as drugs are frequently smuggled on the type of bus that was stopped. According to the police, several candles that had meth mixed in with the wax were discovered.

According to authorities, 48 candles containing meth weighing a total of 72 pounds were found in a suitcase. In addition, four larger candles weighing 41 pounds were also discovered by authorities. Initially, no one took ownership of the luggage. However, police were able to find a photo that matched one of the passengers on the bus, and a 19-year-old man was taken into custody.

The man was charged with distribution and manufacturing of schedule II drugs. After being taken into custody, he reportedly admitted that the drugs and the luggage were his. He was then taken to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison where he was being held on a $30,000 bond. Although the bus was reportedly headed to Mobile, police say that the man was ultimately going to Atlanta, Georgia.

A person facing a drug possession charge may face serious consequences if convicted on those charges. Common penalties for drug possession include a fine and jail or prison time. However, an individual charged with a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help his or her client avoid some or all possible penalties. This may be done by casting doubt on the case against the defendant by cross-examining witnesses or pointing out inconsistencies in the police report generated in the case.

Source: WLOX, “Police find meth hidden in 52 Sacred Heart Jesus candles”, Amber Stegall, October 17, 2014