50 pounds of meth seized during Bellingham traffic stop

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Two people were arrested and more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine were seized during a traffic stop Saturday.

Deputies from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said they stopped a truck in the 3200 block of W. Maplewood Avenue in north Bellingham at 8:30 p.m. after they saw the driver commit a traffic violation.

Deputies said woman driving presented a California driver’s license, gave inconsistent information about why she and her passenger were in Bellingham and showed signs that she wasn’t telling the truth when answering basic questions.

Officers said the woman told them she thought she was in Salem, Oregon.

Deputies said the passenger in the rented truck also gave conflicting statements about their travels.

Police said a narcotics dog indicated there was something in the truck and the driver gave permission for the vehicle to be searched.

Investigators said during the search, 25 bundles of what appeared to be drugs were found hidden in the spare tire under the truck. Police said the bundles tested positive for methamphetamine.

A total of 50.6 pounds of the drug, with a wholesale value of $125,000, were seized by authorities.

The driver, a 29-year-old woman from Bakersfield, California, and the passenger, a 48-year-old man from Mexico, were both booked into the Whatcom County Jail for investigation of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

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