By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – A pair of Texans traveling through Graham County failed to notice the speed limit reduction on U.S. Highway 70 through Safford and a subsequent traffic stop yielded meth and drug paraphernalia.
According to a Safford Police report, an officer was patrolling westbound on the highway at about 1:53 a.m. on Monday, July 29, when his radar alerted to a black, Toyota 4Runner traveling at 45 mph in a 35-mph-zone.
After initiating a traffic stop, the driver was identified by a Texas driver’s license as Dustin Martin, and the passenger was identified by a Texas driver’s license as Aleshia Ridley.
Martin allegedly told the officer that he had driven to Mesa to pick up Ridley and was taking her to New Mexico. Separately, Ridley advised the same situation.
However, the officer felt the pair were hiding something and after further questioning Ridley allegedly admitted to having a “meth bong” in the SUV. An inspection of the vehicle recovered the bong, as well as 3.1 grams of methamphetamine, half a gram of marijuana, and 12 syringes.
Ridley told the officer that all the contraband belonged to her and that she suffered from meth addiction. She said Martin was taking her to New Mexico to help her drug habit. She also advised that the last time she had used meth was the previous day, according to the report.
The officer confiscated the drugs and paraphernalia and informed Ridley that he would send his report to the Graham County Attorney’s Office for review and possible charging. Both subjects were then released from the scene.
The Gila Valley has multiple outpatient drug addiction facilities for those seeking assistance and a free web resource that provides information and support for those facing substance use disorders can be found at DrugRehab.com.
