California pair busted with drugs

A California pair on their way to Meridian was arrested with marijuana and meth during a traffic stop here near Hardee’s earlier this week.

The two have been identified as Jesus Villanueva, the driver, and his passenger, Seana Erevia, according to Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark.

According to arrest records Villanueva, 37, 722 Iona Drive, Sandersville, Calif., was arrested and charged with driving under a suspended license, no insurance, expired license plate, and possession of marijuana in a vehicle.

Arrest records show Erevia, 49, 3930 Juniper Street, San Diego, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7:27 p.m. a deputy spotted a white Chevrolet Cruze with an expired California tag on Beacon Street near Lewis Avenue, Clark said. 

The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the occupants near Hardee’s. 

Clark said Erevia explained that they were coming from California en route to Meridian to visit family. 

The deputy then asked the driver for his driver`s license. Villanueva stated his license was suspended in California, according to Clark.

The deputy got Mr. Villanueva and Ms. Erevia out of the vehicle and detained them due to the smell of marijuana coming from the car, Clark said. 

Deputies then searched the vehicle and both individuals. 

A bag of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine was discovered in Erevia`s jacket pocket, Clark said. Erevia then let the deputy know that there was a meth pipe in the car as well. 

Deputies discovered the glass pipe that is used to smoke crystal methamphetamine along with a small bag of marijuana in the vehicle, Clark said. 

Both suspects were transported to the Neshoba County Jail and booked where they remain awaiting an initial bond hearing.