Traffic Stop Near Evanston Leads to Drug Bust

A traffic stop by Troopers for a speeding violation of 83 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 80 has led to the arrest and felony charges filed on a 47 year-old man from Laguna Woods, California. Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Stephen Townsend says Michael A. Howard was traveling eastbound approximately 30 miles east of Evanston on August 23^rd when a pair of State Troopers stopped his speeding rented Chevrolet Camaro. Howard’s demeanor and inconsistencies in his travel plans made the Troopers suspicious whereupon they called for a Wyoming Highway Patrol drug detection K-9 to respond to their location.  The K-9 alerted on the vehicle and Troopers discovered 30 vacuum sealed baggies in two duffle bags in the trunk of the vehicle. The total weight of the marijuana was 33 pounds.  Troopers also seized just over $1,300.00 in U.S. currency that was also found in the vehicle.  Howard has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.  The marijuana has an approximate street value estimated at $198,000.00.