Isaiah Marquis Cartwright, 20, of Channelview, and Dereon Nathaniel Reeves, 17, of Crosby, were arrested on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, after a traffic stop on South Hwy 59 in Cleveland reportedly led to the discovery of significant quantities of drugs and cash.
According to a statement from Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard, Officers C. Ortega and A. Martinez were patrolling the 2000 block of South US 59 when they reportedly observed a black 2020 Hyundai Elantra failing to stay in a single lane. The officers initiated a traffic stop in the 3000 block of South US 59 and, upon approaching the vehicle, noticed a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside.
Broussard said that Cartwright, the driver, was unable to provide proof of insurance for the vehicle. During questioning, both Cartwright and Reeves appeared nervous, with Cartwright admitting he had smoked marijuana in the vehicle about an hour earlier.
Based on the smell, the officers conducted a probable cause search. The search allegedly uncovered much more than a small amount of marijuana, as Cartwright had initially claimed. Officers reportedly found two bundles of cash totaling $1,918, four boxes labeled “Live Resin” containing cannabis extract, and a cellophane bag holding 88 orange pills marked “30” and “AD,” suspected to be Adderall. Additionally, three plastic baggies containing approximately 10.47 ounces of marijuana and 103 THC vape pens weighing 206 grams were discovered in the vehicle, the report continues.
Cartwright and Reeves were both taken into custody and charged with two felonies: Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1, 200 to 400 grams, and Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 2 or 2-A, 4 to 400 grams. Both men were later transported to the Liberty County Jail, with bond set at $50,000 each.
Cleveland Police Chief Broussard praised the efforts of Officers Ortega, Martinez, and Brown, noting the inherent dangers officers face when handling illegal substances.
“The handling and recovery of these drugs places officers in great danger. The inhalation of these substances can be harmful or fatal if proper protective equipment is not used. These materials must be handled in a well-ventilated area,” Broussard said.
Ohhh my god did those poor cops inhale pot? They better go to the hospital they might die… Just ruined 2 kids lives over marijuana, this is why noone supports the police anymore. Just government puppets with no brain. End the war on drugs it’s been a failure for decades.
lol drug bust huh. that’s the best y’all can do? thc? put the cops in danger did it? wtf? this is pathetically sad.
There’s a Meth epidemic in Hardin and Hull Daisetta