A Nevada resident was arrested Tuesday after illegal narcotics were located hidden inside his vehicle during a traffic stop near Covington.
At approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday (November 3) deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Highway Enforcement Unit conducted a routine traffic stop on a white Nissan Altima that was headed eastbound on Interstate 12.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Sirtevin M. Moore (DOB 5/19/1993) of Las Vegas, Nevada. Moore told deputies he was traveling from Las Vegas to Florida for a job. As deputies approached the vehicle, they observed a jar containing approximately 2.5 grams of marijuana in plain view on the front passenger seat.
While conducting a search of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 4.10 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the natural void of the vehicle’s rear corner panel. The methamphetamine was packaged with cayenne and other spices in an attempt to mask the narcotic odor from being detected by K9s.
In addition to the narcotics, $1,414 and drug paraphernalia was located in Moore’s luggage and throughout the vehicle. Moore claimed ownership of the marijuana and currency, but denied having any knowledge about the methamphetamine being inside the car.
Deputies seized the narcotics and currency and arrested Moore for the following charges:
L.R.S. 32:81 Following Too Close
L.R.S. 32:61 Speeding
L.R.S. 32:79 Improper Lane Use
L.R.S. 32:52 No Driver’s License
L.R.S. 40:966C Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS (marijuana)
L.R.S. 40:1023 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
L.R.S. 40:967AC Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (methamphetamine)
L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
Sheriff Randy Smith praised the Highway Enforcement Unit for its constant proactive enforcement on the interstate system that travels through our community.
“Our Highway Enforcement Unit has been very successful in making many proactive arrests and reducing the availability of dangerous drugs being dispersed in and traveling through St. Tammany Parish," Sheriff Smith said.
***A booking photo for Sirtevin M. Moore is not yet available. A booking photo can be obtained via the inmate roster on our website, www.stpso.com, when available.