Illegal U-Turn Leads to Arrest of Hayward Man on Drug Possession
If you’re going to carry drugs, obey the traffic rules.
This week the Fremont Police Department is reporting a routine traffic violation stop that led to a search of the vehicle and the subsequent discovery of a hidden compartment containing drugs and cash, resulting in the arrest of a Hayward man.
On August 29, agents from the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force (SACMCTF) were conducting surveillance in the city of Hayward when they witnessed a 1999 Silver Honda Accord make an illegal U-turn, according to Officer Geneva Bosques of the Fremont Police Department. “There were two violations,” Bosques says. “22103 VC (illegal U-turn) and 22107 VC (failure to signal).”
Agents pulled the Accord over on Western Boulevard near Laurel Avenue and asked the driver’s permission to search the vehicle, which was granted.
During their search of the car, agents discovered a false compartment under the right front passenger seat. Inside the compartment were 20 clear plastic bags containing suspected methamphetamine, estimated to weigh 191 grams total, or 6.75 ounces, with an approximate street value of $15,280. Also found in the compartment was $1,398 in U.S. currency. The methamphetamine was seized as evidence and the currency was seized pursuant to asset forfeiture.
Discovered in the driver’s possession were two cellular phones and a notebook containing a pay/owe sheet.
The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Hayward resident Paul Monjardin-Perez. Perez was arrested on possession for sale of a controlled substance, transporting a controlled substance, and use of a false compartment to conceal a controlled substance. He was booked and transported to the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. His bail has been set at $180,000.
