Traffic Stop Leads to Discovering Five Pounds of Weed

Both subjects were taken to the Clark County Jail without further incident.

Photo Courtesy of Indiana State Police

(Clark County, Ind.) - A traffic stop for an infraction ended with the arrest of both the driver and passenger on multiple charges.

On March 7, 2020, Senior Trooper Mark LaMaster stopped a black 2012 Mercedes-Benz on I-65 southbound for following too closely behind a semi-truck. He also observed that the car had a large crack in the windshield directly in front of the driver.

As Trooper LaMaster spoke with the driver and passenger, he observed criminal indicators and also learned that the passenger had falsely identified himself. Master Trooper Nathan Abbott also arrived to assist a short time later. During the investigation, the Troopers discovered approximately five pounds of marijuana packaged in several plastic bags.

Troopers then arrested the two men on multiple drug charges.

Mergen Batchuluun, 20, New Albany, was arrested on the charges of Dealing in Marijuana (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor), Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor) and Chinguun Bishrel, 21, New Albany, was arrested on the charges of False Identity (A Misdemeanor). 

Both subjects were taken to the Clark County Jail without further incident.