A traffic stop of a Uber driver on the Menlo Highway led to a drug arrest last week.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies clocked a man doing 71 in a 55 mph zone and stopped the vehicle at Peach Orchard Road and Highway 48 .

The driver was identified as Dontay Bates. Mr. Bates stated he was coming back from Fort Payne Alabama from an Uber drop off.  Bates had several warrants from Fulton County, Georgia for guns and drug charges.

Bates consented to a search of his vehicle by deputies which turned up several illegal drugs.  Deputies say, “THC Oil was found in console compartment beneath the radio. Further searching; 4 glass jars with suspected marijuana in each jar, 3 sealed plastic bags with suspected marijuana, 1 digital scale, and a weed “bible” were located in the most rear of the vehicle in a black back pack.

Bates stated he did not know the backpack was in the back seat, however, he did admit to “experimental growing of marijuana cannabis plants.”

Bates was placed under arrest for the warrants, and charged with Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of drug related objects, speeding and failure to maintain a single lane.

While being booked into the Chattooga County Jail, deputies found a good bit of cash, totaling $801 in dollar bills and $20 bills.