Drug detection K9 utilized

WALLACE – A Kingston woman was arrested last Friday for possessing a substantial amount of methamphetamine.

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office reports that on May 8, at approximately 11:16 p.m., deputies initiated a traffic stop on a 1993 Toyota Tacoma for failing to use a turn signal near milepost 60 on Silver Valley Road.

During the traffic stop, deputy Abshire deployed his drug detection K9, Deputy Lulu, to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle. Over the course of the deployment, Dep. Lulu showed a positive alert to the vehicle, indicating the presence of illegal substances.

A search of the vehicle by Abshire yielded a seizure of various drug paraphernalia items and approximately 23 grams of methamphetamine.

SCSO Lt. Jeff Lee states that this amount is consistent with an intent to sell or distribute.

The driver of the vehicle, Jenna J. Haynes, 32, of Kingston, was arrested on-scene and has been charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to iCourt, Haynes‘ criminal history includes pleading guilty to a petit theft charge from 2017.

Lee explains that this incident was a perfect example of how K9 units are an absolutely invaluable asset for working drug related cases and traffic stops.

“K9 deputy Abshire was with a new recruit, deputy Jacob End, when this traffic stop was conducted,” he said. “Their actions were a prime example of proactive policing and protecting the community.”

SCSO currently has two drug detection K9’s in service.