Two individuals are facing drug possession charges after a routine traffic stop in Chattooga County on September 17, led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine.

Mikayla Jocelyn Luga, 28, and Justin Allen Wood, 38, were taken into custody by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office following the incident, which occurred along US-27 near Halls Valley Road.

According to a report from Deputy Connor Ellenburg, the incident began when he observed a red Chevrolet 1500 with expired registration and no valid insurance. Deputy Ellenburg initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled over at the intersection of US-27 and Halls Valley Drive.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Ellenburg identified the driver as Justin Wood, who stated he did not possess a driver’s license. A subsequent records check confirmed Wood’s license was suspended, a suspension dating back to December 11, 2004. The passenger, identified as Mikayla Luga, also had a suspended driver’s license and was found to have two active warrants out of Alabama.

The deputy noted conflicting accounts of their destination, with Wood stating they were headed to his mother’s house and Luga initially saying Walmart before hesitating. When instructed to exit the vehicle and stand in front of the truck, Luga initially began walking towards a nearby residence’s driveway before complying with the deputy’s redirection.

During a search of the vehicle’s passenger side, Deputy Ellenburg located a Coca-Cola can in the door pocket. Inside the can, he discovered a clear plastic baggy containing a crystal-like substance, which he immediately identified as methamphetamine.

As Deputy Ellenburg attempted to place Luga under arrest, she spontaneously declared, “That’s not mine,” and briefly resisted before being secured in handcuffs. She was read her Miranda Rights and, while agreeing to speak, denied any knowledge of the methamphetamine. Wood was likewise read his Miranda Rights, and he also denied any knowledge of the illegal substance.

Both Wood and Luga were transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.

Justin Wood is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked. Mikayla Luga is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, in addition to her active warrants from Alabama.