On 6/16/08, agents from the Sonoma County Narcotics Task Force (SCNTF)were driving Eastbound on Hwy 29. As they started up Mount St. Helena, they observed a Honda Ridgeline in front of them with 3 subjects. As they continued over the mountain, the driver of the Ridgeline opened the window and exhaled a large cloud of smoke, and flicked ashes off a large cigarette.
Due to the slow traffic conditions, the agents were in close enough proximity, they were able to determine the smoke was from burning marijuana. The agents located a California Highway Patrol Officer, and a traffic stop was made.
The three subjects were detained while a search of the vehicle was conducted. Agents located a small amount of marijuana, and a postal receipt with todays date. Through interviews, it was determined a package had been mailed by the subjects to Arkansas from the St. Helena Post Office. The package was intercepted at the Yountville Post Office. Agents obtained consent to open the package, and seized 3 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $10,500.00.
It was later determined at the scene, one of the passengers, Matthew Craig Edwards, 28 yrs. of San Rafael was wanted on a $1,000,000.00 warrant from Marin County. The violation for the warrant was Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Sell. The other subjects were released pending complaints from the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.
Tags: Marijuana, Sonoma County
