Traffic stop in Cleveland leads to drug bust, firearm seizure

A routine traffic stop in Cleveland led to the arrest of two Humble residents after police allegedly found a large quantity of drugs and a firearm inside their vehicle.

According to a statement from Cleveland Police Capt. Scott Felts, Cleveland Police Corporal C. Ortega was patrolling the 500 block of James Duncan Avenue around 11:40 p.m. Saturday, March 1, when he observed a 2013 white Ford Taurus failing to use its turn signal.

After initiating a stop, Ortega made contact with the driver, Gary Demondray Kennedy, 43, and the passenger, Brandy Lynn Woods, 34.

During the stop, Ortega reportedly detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle.

As he began to conduct a search, the occupants allegedly informed him that a Springfield 9 mm handgun and a bag of synthetic marijuana, commonly known as “Kush,” were located between the driver’s seat and the center console. Ortega retrieved both items before continuing his search.

Inside a red and black backpack, officers reportedly discovered 465 multi-colored pills that later tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing a total of 106.99 grams. Also seized were three plastic containers containing 4.45 grams of crack cocaine and a glass container with 212.20 grams of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC wax).

Kennedy and Woods were taken into custody and charged with Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a first-degree felony; Possession of a Controlled Substance, also a first-degree felony; and Possession of a Controlled Substance, a second-degree felony.