Traffic stop leads to drug bust in St. Francois County

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

LEADINGTON, Mo., (KBSI) — A traffic stop in St. Francois County led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine and the arrest of two men, authorities said.

The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department said a K-9 deputy stopped a vehicle Sept. 14 on U.S. Highway 67 near Leadington for defective equipment. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, deputies discovered 156 pills believed to be fentanyl and about 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Both occupants, identified as Chance Hubbard and Christopher Jameson of Poplar Bluff, were taken to the St. Francois County Detention Center. During processing, deputies said one suspect attempted to discard drug paraphernalia and was later found to have additional suspected fentanyl concealed on his body.

Hubbard is charged with possession of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, and possession or delivery of a controlled substance into a correctional facility. Jameson is charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug trafficking.

Sheriff Jeffrey S. Crites said the investigation is ongoing.