Published: November 09, 2009 08:32 pm      

Sheriff’s drug canine sniffs out offenders

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Canine assisted in a vehicle search in Murchison Sunday that led to the arrest of two women on felony narcotics charges.

Misty Dawn Stokes, 26, was booked into the Henderson County Jail for possession of a controlled substance (four to 200 grams), possession of marijuana (under two ounces), failure to appear in court, and theft under $50.

Lehua Deann Mauala, 23, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (four to 200 grams), possession of marijuana (under two ounces) and unlawfully carrying a weapon. The women were arraigned by Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Sue Starnes who set bond at $60,000 on Mauala and $50,000 on Stokes.

HCSO reports said Deputy Richard Miller was patrolling in Murchison Sunday morning when he saw the women at a closed business.

Miller was curious about their presence at the location, so he approached the vehicle, and asked the women for identification.

As Miller spoke to the women, they appeared to grow nervous, according to the report.

At that point, Daniels asked for back up, and was joined at the scene by Deputy Kevin Adair, along with Deputy John Daniels and Benny the drug canine.

Reports indicate that Benny sniffed the area around the vehicle, and detected drugs at the location.

Officers searched the vehicle and found a pistol, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a small amount of marijuana.

Both women were arrested at the scene, and transported to jail, where they remained Monday.