On January 18, at approximately 11:30 am, CHP officers conducted and enforcement stop on a Hyundai Santa Fe driven by male adult (suspect) out of Medford, Oregon for speeding. The stop occurred on I-5 southbound at Oxford Road. During the course of the contact, officers observed several indicators of criminal activity.

CHP K-9 “Laika” was called in to sniff the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics. The suspect admitted to smoking marijuana in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately $52,000 wrapped in aluminum foil in the rear compartment of the Hyundai.

During the interview the suspect admitted that he was on his way to purchase narcotics. The suspect was arrested and subsequently released pending further investigation and charges will be filed with the district attorney.

(Merced CHP)