PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man remained in the Clallam County jail on Sunday after a June 17 traffic stop led to his arrest for investigation of drug distribution and the seizure of an estimated $75,000 in drugs by the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Talon Michael Smith, 39, of Port Angeles made his first appearance in Clallam County Superior Court on Tuesday. He remained in custody early Friday afternoon for investigation of possession of controlled substance with intent to deliver and physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence plus six Class C felony warrants.
Bail was set at $25,000 either bond or cash plus another $42,575 in cash.
A Port Angeles police officer responding to a welfare check request in the alley between Fourth and Fifth streets near Jones Street at about 1:15 a.m. on June 17 discovered a Chevy Tahoe parked in the travel portion of the alley with the motor running, according to a Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) press release.
A man later identified as Smith appeared unconscious but breathing and drug paraphernalia was spotted in the car, according to OPNET.
The officer activated his vehicle’s lights to indicate it was a traffic stop, OPNET said.
OPNET said the officer also spotted bags of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl pills on the floor and between the seats in the front of the car.
Officers said Smith initially provided a false name but eventually was arrested for investigation of physical control of a vehicle while under the influence.
The officer obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. When OPNET detectives searched the vehicle, they said they found:
• A portable radio with local law enforcement radio channels programmed into it.
• A Glock Airsoft pistol.
• An AR-15 Airsoft rifle.
• Digital scales with drug residue.
• A total of 5,000 blue fentanyl pills with an estimated street value of $20,000.
• A total of 210 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $8,400.
• A total of 456 grams of fentanyl powder in brick form with an estimated street value of $45,600.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.