Source: SFGate
“A routine traffic stop in the Sonoma County community of Windsor took a bizarre turn when deputies uncovered methamphetamine, dozens of illegally harvested abalone and a live turtle in a vehicle occupied by two Santa Rosa residents, authorities said. … The driver, a 46-year-old Santa Rosa man, was on active post-release community supervision and misdemeanor probation. He also had outstanding warrants in Lake and Mendocino counties, prompting deputies to detain him on the spot. His passenger, a 35-year-old Santa Rosa woman, allegedly admitted to possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia when questioned, leading deputies to detain her as well. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine and hypodermic needles, but also escalated into an investigation of wildlife poaching, officials said. Deputies found 35 live abalone, tools used for illegally prying the shellfish from coastal rocks, and a northwestern pond turtle, according to the news release.” (02/28/25)