Lewiston Woman Charged with Meth Trafficking After Traffic Stop

Sarah C. Smith, 43, faces felony drug charges after police found 25 grams of meth in her vehicle.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:28am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing a crystalline substance, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the discovery of drugs during a police investigation.A recent traffic stop in Lewiston, Idaho led to the discovery of over 25 grams of methamphetamine, exposing the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking in rural communities.Lewiston Today

A 43-year-old woman from Lewiston, Idaho has been charged with felony drug trafficking after an Idaho State Police trooper found over 25 grams of methamphetamine in her vehicle during a traffic stop on March 27. Sarah C. Smith was pulled over for speeding and a cracked windshield, and a K9 unit later alerted on her car, leading to the drug discovery and her arrest.

Why it matters

Methamphetamine trafficking and possession charges are serious felonies in Idaho, with the potential for lengthy prison sentences. This case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to interdict the flow of hard drugs into rural communities across the Pacific Northwest.

The details

According to the police affidavit, the trooper stopped Smith's vehicle for speeding and a cracked windshield. During the interaction, the officer noted Smith appeared extremely nervous and displayed physical signs consistent with possible drug use. A K9 unit was called, and the dog alerted on the driver's side door. A search of the vehicle then uncovered three small bags containing a total of around 25.2 grams of methamphetamine, which authorities say was packaged for distribution rather than personal use.

  • The traffic stop occurred on March 27, 2026 in Lewiston, Idaho.
  • Smith was taken into custody at the scene.

The players

Sarah C. Smith

A 43-year-old resident of Lewiston, Idaho who was charged with felony drug trafficking, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia after police found over 25 grams of methamphetamine in her vehicle during a traffic stop.

Idaho State Police

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and drug investigation leading to Smith's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“The total weight of the suspected methamphetamine was approximately 25.2 grams and was packaged in multiple baggies. Based on the quantity and packaging, the trooper indicated it was consistent with distribution rather than personal use.”

— Idaho State Police Trooper

What’s next

Smith is scheduled to appear in Nez Perce County District Court on April 10 for a preliminary hearing on the charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenge of methamphetamine trafficking in rural communities, where law enforcement must remain vigilant in intercepting drug shipments and holding dealers accountable through the criminal justice system.