OSP TRAFFIC STOP NORTH OF SALEM LEADS TO 5 LBS. OF MARIJUANA AND CHARGES FOR THREE PEOPLE (PHOTOS)
Posted: March 29th, 2011 9:35 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-03/1002/43065/032811.i5mp261.mj.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-03/1002/43065/Michael.Melvin.jpg (Melvin)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-03/1002/43065/Darlene.Byrd.jpg (Byrd)
Two Tacoma, Washington residents were arrested on marijuana-related charges early Monday morning when an Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop north of Salem led to the seizure of approximately 5 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. The investigation led to a Eugene-area motel and charges for a California man when troopers and detectives seized additional evidence related to the traffic stop.
On March 28, 2011 at approximately 1:11 a.m. an OSP trooper stopped a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu displaying Washington license plates northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 261 for a traffic violation. The two occupants were identified as driver MICHAEL W. MELVIN, age 37, and passenger DARLENE F. BYRD, age 25, both from Tacoma, Washington.
Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the assistance of a drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 5 pounds of marijuana inside the car's trunk. The estimated value of the seized marijuana is $12,500.
MELVIN and BYRD were taken into custody for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana. They were later cited to appear in Marion County Circuit Court on the charges.
With the assistance of the OSP Drug Enforcement Section, the ongoing investigation led to OSP serving a search warrant at a Timbers Motel room in Eugene. Contact was made in the room with FALK MARRIA, age 35, from Nevada City, California. A search of the room led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana, a loaded handgun, and other evidence connected with the initial traffic stop.
MARRIA was cited to appear in Lane County Circuit Court for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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