When you’re dealing with police searches, it’s amazing how often people fail to think through what they leave in their vehicles. Whether it’s drugs in a bag marked “Definitely not a bag full of drugs,” a giant python, or enough drugs and firearms to set off alarms at any airport, some people are practically inviting trouble! This week’s Weird and Wacky is all about those crazy things police have found during vehicle searches. Let’s take a look at three cases where the contents of a car landed some folks in very hot water.
1. Oregon’s “Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs”
You’d think if you were trafficking drugs, you’d try to be a little more discreet, right? Not so for a couple in Portland, Oregon. When police pulled them over in a stolen car, officers found all sorts of incriminating evidence inside: blue fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, scales, money, a firearm—and, of course, a brown canvas bag labeled “Definitely not a bag full of drugs.” Spoiler alert: it was definitely a bag full of drugs. Talk about advertising your crimes!
Both driver Reginald Reynolds and passenger Mia Baggenstos were promptly arrested, and now they’re facing an impressive list of charges. Maybe next time they’ll opt for a less suspicious label on their drug bags… or better yet, leave the drugs at home!
2. Sideshow Snake in California
When police broke up a sideshow event in Vallejo, California, they were ready for the usual suspects—burnt rubber, reckless driving, maybe a few arrests. What they didn’t expect to find was a 10-foot python in the back seat of one of the vehicles!
After a chase ended with several arrests, officers searched an abandoned Cadillac and discovered the massive snake, casually hanging out. No word on what exactly the snake’s role was in the sideshow, but it’s safe to say that nobody was expecting a reptilian guest star in the car chase. It just goes to show you, you never really know what you’re going to find during a police search.
3. Repossession Repercussions in New Orleans
For most people, getting your car repossessed is enough of a headache. But for one couple in New Orleans, the real problem started when police decided to search their repossessed vehicle. Deputies found a treasure trove of illegal items: 9 pounds of marijuana, 18 grams of magic mushrooms, and a semi-automatic handgun.
When Rashad Favalie and Charesnisha Johnson showed up at the repossession yard to retrieve their “personal belongings,” they were promptly arrested. Here’s a tip: if your car is about to be repossessed, it might be a good idea to remove your drug stash before it gets towed!
From poorly labeled drug bags to runaway pythons and repossessed cars filled with illegal goodies, this week’s Weird and Wacky reminds us all of the importance of keeping our cars clean—and I don’t just mean vacuuming out the floor mats! Whether it’s drugs, weapons, or wild animals, some things are better left out of your vehicle, especially if you’re going to have any encounters with the law.
