Traffic stop leads to drug bust

Michael Blair Jr., left, and Derek J. Eatherton were arraigned on charges of heroin trafficking and methamphetamine possession.

Two Washington state men remain in custody in the Elmore County Jail after a routine traffic stop Tuesday afternoon turned into a drug bust.

Michael Blair Jr. and Derek J. Eatherton of Lynnwood, Wash., were arraigned Wednesday afternoon at the county courthouse on charges of heroin trafficking and methamphetamine possession.

Idaho State Police trooper stopped the vehicle driven by Blair near milepost 128 on the interstate following a report that he was speeding and failing to maintain his lane. The officer then requested the help of a canine unit from the county sheriff's department.

During a search of the vehicle, the canine alerted to the presence of narcotics. The trooper and deputies then discovered more than nine pounds of heroin and an undetermined quantity of methamphetamine. Blair and Eatherton, a passenger in the vehicle, were then taken into custody.

Blair faces one count of heroin trafficking, which carries with it a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $100,000. According to information presented at his arraignment, he was charged in 1995 of robbery, assault and armed criminal actions.

Meanwhile, Eatherton was charged with methamphetamine possession in addition to heroin trafficking. Possession of methamphetamine carries with it a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and $15,000 fine.

Due to the large amount of drugs recovered at the scene and because both men are from out of state, Judge David Epis set the bond on both men at $500,000 each.