Driver Arrested for Methamphetamine for Sale During Traffic Stop

“On August 13, 2021, at approximately 1:00 PM hours while patrolling Ridge Rd, Rail Road Flat, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling with no visible registration tags on the license plate. The deputy conducted an enforcement stop and contacted the driver Earl West, age 44 years old from Lodi, Ca.

During a consent search of the vehicle, the deputy located what he believed to be a small camera case. Inside the case, he observed a Ziploc baggie with what appeared to be methamphetamine inside. The deputy placed suspect West under arrest without incident and transported him to the Calaveras County Jail for booking.

Once at the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office the deputy processed the items inside the case. In total, two separate baggies and two glass pipes were located. The first bag weighed 26.3 grams in packaging. The second bag weighed 4.8 grams in packaging.

To illustrate the amount located, a typical single-use packet of sugar or artificial sweetener is approximately 2-4 grams. Suspect West had the equivalent of approximately 8-15 individual serving packets. The substance tested positive, on a presumptive test, for methamphetamine. The substance and additional drug paraphernalia were booked into the evidence room. The deputy requested the substance be evaluated by the California Department of Justice for further analyzing.

Suspect West was charged with 11378 H&S Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale (Felony), 11379 (A) H&S Transport Controlled Substance (Felony) and 11364 H&S Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He is being held with a total bail of $55,000.00.”