An Arizona woman was arrested after more than two pounds of heroin was found in a pink handbag after a traffic stop west of Casper on Saturday, according to federal court records.

Elsa Veronica Bray is charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, which is punishable under federal law by 10 years to life imprisonment, according to a criminal complaint with an affidavit by an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case started about 9:45 a.m. Saturday when a Natrona County Sheriff’s deputy saw and then pulled over a white sport utility vehicle traveling 72 mph in a 65 mph zone north on Wyoming Highway 220.

The deputy told Bray why he stopped her.

She said the SUV was a rental, she showed the paperwork from where she rented it in Las Vegas, and she presented her Arizona drivers license to the deputy.

However, the deputy noticed no significant luggage in the SUV, especially since she said she was traveling to Minnesota.

Considering the unusual travel plans, the time of travel and the lack of luggage for such a trip, the deputy called for the help of a Casper Police officer and his K9 partner Patrick, which alerted to the presence of a controlled substance.

The deputy asked Bray if all the property in the vehicle belonged to her, and she responded that only the purse and sweater in the back seat were hers.

The police officer found a pink handbag full of women’s clothing in the back of the SUV, removed the clothing and found a light brown brick package wrapped in plastic cellophane.

“When Bray was asked about the brick package, Bray did not make a comment,” according to the affidavit.

The deputy arrested Bray for possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

She was booked into the Natrona County jail.

The deputy weighed the brick, which weighed 2.3 pounds, and the contents tested presumptive positive for heroin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has asked federal court to have Bray detained.



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