BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A routine traffic stop on U.S. Route 460 in Bluefield on May 30 led to multiple arrests and charges after police discovered drug paraphernalia in a vehicle and later contraband inside the city jail.
According to the Bluefield Police Department, an officer attempted to stop a sedan that failed to obey a stop sign at the Washington Street ramp.
The vehicle briefly continued before pulling over.
As the car came to a stop, a male passenger fled on foot into a wooded area and was not located despite a search with a K-9 unit.
The driver, identified as Marjorie Lambert, was removed from the vehicle after initially refusing to exit. A backseat passenger, Kristen Hughes, was also detained at the scene.
A police K-9 indicated the presence of narcotics, prompting a vehicle search.
Officers recovered multiple syringes, a magnetic box commonly used to hide drugs, and a measuring spoon containing residue consistent with narcotics use.
Authorities learned Lambert was driving on a suspended license. Hughes had an outstanding warrant, and the man who fled—identified as Jessee Belcher—was found to have multiple active warrants in Virginia and West Virginia.
While in custody at the Bluefield City Jail, Lambert and Hughes were seen acting suspiciously in their holding cell.
A subsequent search revealed additional drug paraphernalia, a baggie containing 12 grams of white powder, and other items concealed in a mesh bag.
Investigators believe the two women smuggled the items into the facility with the intent to use them.
Following questioning, both suspects allegedly admitted to bringing the drugs into the jail.
Hughes told officers that Lambert had handed her the bag inside the cell, and they had planned to inject what she identified as crystal meth.
Lambert and Hughes now face charges related to the introduction of controlled substances into a correctional facility, in addition to the original traffic and warrant-related offenses. Belcher remains at large.
Lambert and Hughes are currently at Southern Regional Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond.
