STORM LAKE, IA (Northwestiowanow) — A routine traffic stop early Monday led to drug charges for a Storm Lake woman.
Storm Lake Police say an officer conducted the stop February 24, around 12:30 a.m. in the 200 block of Russel Street after noticing an equipment violation. The driver, identified as 43-year-old Sylvia Mendoza of Storm Lake, was also found to be operating with an expired license.
A Storm Lake Police K9 unit was deployed during the stop and alerted to narcotics. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered marijuana wax, leading to Mendoza’s arrest. She was taken into custody without incident.
Mendoza was charged with Operation of a Motor Vehicle with an Expired License, a scheduled violation, and Possession of a Controlled Substance — Third or Subsequent Offense, a Class D Felony.
She was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail and held on a $5,175 bond.

