On Thursday, October 15th, special agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 101 in southern Humboldt. Agents had a signed search warrant for both occupants of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 27 year old Michael Wade of Rio Dell, and his passenger, 27 year old Josie Craig from Garberville, have been under investigation for several weeks for trafficking heroin from southern California into Humboldt County. Agents were also aware that Wade had two felony warrants for his arrest.
When agents attempted contact Wade ran from the vehicle down a short embankment before realizing he was surrounded. He then stopped and was taken into custody without incident. Josie Craig was detained at the vehicle.
Agents searched the vehicle and located a digital scale as well as pay/owe sheets. Agents advised Josie Craig that they had information that she was concealing drugs on her person. Craig admitted to agents that she had hidden heroin in her body cavities. A female State Parks Ranger arrived on scene and stood by with Craig while Craig removed the evidence from her body. Agents took possession of approximately two ounces of heroin.
Michael Wade had been driving the vehicle and was showing objective signs of being under the influence of heroin. CHP-Garberville Officers were requested to respond to the scene for a DUI evaluation. CHP Officers conducted a DUI investigation which led to Wade’s arrest for driving under the influence of drugs.
Wade was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for his felony warrants as well as other charges including Transportation of heroin across non-contiguous counties, Driving under the influence of drugs.
The charge of Transportation of heroin across non-contiguous counties will be requested for 27 year old Josie Craig.
