Amador County – The Ione Police Department said it took “more meth off the streets” early Monday in Ione. The IPD stopped a vehicle early Monday for a minor vehicle code violation and “again intercepted methamphetamine being transported through the city.”

IPD Chief Michael L. Johnson said meth busts are “quickly becoming a common practice in Ione.”

He said “an IPD Officer stopped a vehicle for a minor California Vehicle Code infraction,” and the “officer soon discovered the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended license.”

“A search of the vehicle led to additional problems for the driver,” Johnson said. The driver, Bert Cherry, 42, “was placed in custody after IPD officers recovered methamphetamine and associated drug paraphernalia from the vehicle.”

Cherry was booked into the Amador County Jail on charges for felony drug possession and transportation of drugs. Cherry’s vehicle was impounded for vehicle code violations.

Johnson said: “Ione police officers are continuing their aggressive proactive enforcement efforts to combat drug infiltration in the city of Ione.” He said three recent meth-related arrests indicate an increase in such illegal activity in the area.

He said: “Although I do not necessarily think this is a new phenomenon in Ione, I do think the frequency has increased.” He said Ione police officer “are trained well and becoming more comfortable at drug related enforcement.”

“As their expertise continues to improve,” the chief said, he suspected “the arrests will continue to come in.” Cherry’s arrest makes for the third meth-related incident in Ione reported in less than a month.

The incidents have resulted in felony charges for three men, and misdemeanor marijuana possession charges for one woman.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.