Merced CHP finds $50K worth of meth in impounded car

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Highway Patrol officers say they found 11 pounds of methamphetamine after a suspect's car was impounded for driving on a suspended license.

Merced CHP said they pulled over a red 1998 Honda Accord on northbound Highway 99 near Le Grand Road for a traffic violation on Thursday afternoon. They said the driver, Rafael Hernandez Espinoza, 27, of Oregon, was driving on a suspended license. Because of his license status, officers impounded his car.

Authorities said while conducting a vehicle inventory, an officer located approximately 11 pounds of meth -- valued at approximately $50,000.

Espinoza was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail.