FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A routine traffic stop in Fayette County turned into a major drug bust Tuesday evening, resulting in four arrests.
According to Senior Trooper N.T. Warden with the West Virginia State Police, the stop occurred around 6:15 p.m. along WV Route 16 in Dixie after a gray Honda Civic with Ohio plates failed to stop at a stop sign and was observed with a loud, defective exhaust.
During the stop, the driver, identified as Hailey Niessen, told troopers she did not have insurance. Three passengers were also identified as Timothy Newell, Shawn Slaughter, and Edward Ellis. The group told troopers they were traveling from Akron, Ohio, and headed to Twenty-Mile Creek.
Troopers noted suspicious behavior from one passenger and requested a K9 unit to assist. A police dog later alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
A search of the car uncovered approximately 60.6 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, along with digital scales and $427 in cash in small denominations.
All four occupants were taken into custody and charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy to deliver more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The suspects were transported to the WVSP Oak Hill Detachment for processing before being taken to Southern Regional Jail, where they remain pending court proceedings.
All charges stem from incidents that occurred in Fayette County.
