Montana man charged with meth trafficking
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 7 months AGO
Ludden
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | February 11, 2022 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A Montana man accused of trafficking more than a pound of meth is being held on $250,000 bail.
Gabriel D. Ludden, 42, is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, a felony.
Idaho State Police stopped Ludden’s vehicle Saturday night for an alleged traffic violation and for driving with a suspended license.
During the stop, police reportedly observed a “machete-type knife” between the driver’s seat and center console, as well as multiple smaller knives in plain view inside Ludden’s vehicle.
Police detained Ludden, who allegedly admitted to having meth in his pockets.
A search of the vehicle allegedly yielded approximately 704 grams of meth — about 1.5 pounds — as well as drug paraphernalia.
Police arrested Ludden at the scene.
First District Judge Ross Pittman ordered Monday that Ludden be held on $250,000 bail.
In Idaho, trafficking more than 400 grams of meth is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and a maximum life sentence.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight
After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.
No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.
KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
Details under wraps after lengthy meeting
In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.