Traveling with improper or non-working tag lights lead to the arrest of one man for methamphetamine over the weekend.

According to reports from the Chattooga County Sheriffs Office, a Deputy on patrol noticed a vehicle traveling down Highway 48 with a set of non-working tag lights. The Deputy followed the vehicle, a blue Honda CRV, for several miles down Highway 48, where the driver was observed to be on his cell phone and unable to maintain a lane. As the vehicles approached Filter Plant Road the Deputy decided to perform a traffic stop where he then made contact with the driver, Mr. Moises Mendoza-Sanchez. Sanchez told the Deputy that he had been messing with his phone while driving, trying to get his GPS to work as he was unfamiliar with the area. When asked for his drivers license or identification, Sanchez stated that he did not have it with him.

Sanchez then gave the Deputy consent to search his vehicle for any illegal substances and during the search his VISA Identification card was located. A search through the E-911 system returned two active warrants for Sanchez along with no valid drivers license due to several active suspensions. At this point Sanchez was placed under arrest for driving without a valid drivers license. During the search of his person, Sanchez admitted that he had what was referred to as “ICE” in his front, right pants pocket; but stated that the drugs were not his, he was simply holding it for a friend. The “ICE” turned out to be suspected Methamphetamine. A further search of the Honda CRV turned up two pipes that are commonly used to smoke illegal drugs.  Sanchez was transported to the Chattooga County Jail where he was charged with Driving without a license, Traffic Offenses, Possession of Drug Related objects, and Possession of Methamphetamine.