Deputy Finds Diaper Bag Filled With Drugs During Cleveland County Traffic Stop

A Cleveland County sheriff's deputy and his canine partner found $2,500 worth of marijuana after pulling over a man for a traffic violation.

On March 1, the deputy stopped 29-year-old Eric Matthews at Etowah Road and Oak Ridge Road near Noble. The deputy immediately detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The deputy brought in his police dog. The animal detected drugs in a diaper bag. The deputy found two plastic containers filled with marijuana, along with digital scales and other drug paraphernalia. After further searching the vehicle, the deputy located five, one-pound bricks of marijuana, a large hunting knife and two collapsible-style police batons.

The deputy arrested Matthews on complaints of unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful carry of offensive weapons. Matthews was booked into the Cleveland County jail.