Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
July 2, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Christina Martin
Phone:
425-766-0812
E-mail:
Christina.Martin@wsp.wa.gov
Suspected Drug Dealer Arrested by Target Zero Trooper on First Night Shift
Target Zero Team (TZT) is off to a running start. On the evening of the TZT Task Force kick-off event at Boeing Field an alert TZT trooper stopped and arrested a suspected drug dealer. Shortly after midnight the trooper stopped the suspect for improper lane travel on Interstate 5 in Seattle. The suspect’s driver’s license turned out to be suspended. The suspect was placed under arrest for driving with a suspended license. During the trooper’s investigation he noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The trooper sealed the vehicle and had it towed to the district evidence lot. A narcotic K9 gave a positive alert on the vehicle and a warrant was granted to search it.
During the search of the vehicle, a ½ pound of marijuana, several ecstasy pills, methamphetamine and $790 in cash was seized.
TZT troopers were not only selected because of their motivation and exceptional skills in detecting impaired drivers but also for their ability to “look beyond the license plate” when conducting traffic stops. Criminal interdiction is another component to the Target Zero goals and objectives. Many impaired drivers are using combinations of alcohol and drugs as well as committing other crimes.