La Pine, Ore. – A routine traffic stop in La Pine turned into a significant drug bust on Wednesday when deputies discovered nearly five pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle of a 61-year-old man.
According to Sergeant Jason Wall of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the driver was initially pulled over for speeding in the 51000 block of Highway 97. During the stop, the deputy developed reasonable suspicion that there were controlled substances in the vehicle.
As part of the investigation, a narcotics K-9 team was called to the scene. The K-9 alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle, prompting law enforcement to apply for a search warrant. The warrant was granted, and deputies uncovered approximately five pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle.
The driver was arrested without incident and taken into custody on charges of drug possession and delivery. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail in Bend on Wednesday around 8 p.m. Jail records indicate that he was released the following morning, shortly before 11 a.m., pending a court date scheduled for March 19.
The man’s identity has not been released as formal charges have not yet been filed, in accordance with KTVZ News’ policy.
The discovery of such a large quantity of methamphetamine highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding drug trafficking in the region. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances of the bust as they prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.
