Traffic stop leads to pot bust

David Cruz

Late in the evening on Tuesday, Jan. 18 Mono County Sheriff’s Department Deputies stopped a vehicle traveling in an erratic manner, northbound on U.S. 395 in Coleville.  At approximately 11:45 p.m. the deputy made contact with the two individuals inside the vehicle, identified as David Cruz, age 32, and Bernadin Estriplet, age 28, both of June Lake.

Upon contact, the Deputy noticed a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and asked both parties to exit the vehicle.  After a search of the vehicle, a medium backpack was found in the trunk containing four glass mason jars each containing marijuana buds over 1 oz; a large plastic bag containing over six ounces of marijuana leaves; and other marijuana paraphernalia. Cruz and Estriplet were arrested and booked in the Mono County Jail where they are currently in custody for the possession and intent to sell marijuana. –MCSD

Bernadin Estriplet