Grafton Man Charged After 1.1-Pound Meth Seizure

GRAFTON (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grafton man faces three felony drug charges after a traffic stop on Interstate 29.

Jose Alfredo Sanchez Jr., 51, is charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. The charge involves 50 grams or more.

He also faces possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility. He is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

The allegations are detailed in a probable cause affidavit filed in the case. Charges are allegations, and Sanchez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Traffic Stop on Interstate 29

According to the affidavit, a Grand Forks County sheriff’s deputy stopped Sanchez on northbound Interstate 29 on August 2.

The stop happened near mile marker 147. Authorities said the vehicle was speeding in a construction zone.

Sanchez told the deputy he was returning to Grafton after a week-long trip to Laredo, Texas.

The affidavit says Sanchez and his passenger gave different accounts about when the trip began.

A K9 was then requested at the scene.

Meth Allegedly Found in Peanut Butter Jar

Sanchez gave permission for deputies to search the vehicle, according to the affidavit.

During the search, authorities found a peanut butter jar inside a cooler on the back seat.

The seal appeared intact. However, deputies noticed peanut butter around the rim and opened the jar.

Investigators reported finding a black object inside the peanut butter.

The object was wrapped in electrical tape. Authorities cut it open and found a white crystal-like substance.

A field test indicated the substance was methamphetamine, according to the affidavit.

Jose Alfredo Sanchez Jr.

More Packages Found in Caulking Tubes

The vehicle was later taken to the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force office for another search.

Agents found six caulking tubes inside a Walmart bag.

Four tubes felt like they contained hard objects, according to the affidavit.

Investigators removed four packages that resembled the package found in the peanut butter jar.

Authorities said each package field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

The combined weight of the seized methamphetamine was about 512 grams, or roughly 1.1 pounds.

Additional Allegations at Correctional Facility

After Sanchez was booked, authorities said more methamphetamine and a glass smoking device were found on him.

The affidavit says Sanchez removed the items and gave them to correctional staff.

The Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.

Readers can search North Dakota court records for public case information.

More information is available from the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.