A routine traffic stop late Saturday night on Interstate 40 escalated into a significant drug bust, landing two men behind bars on hefty bonds after authorities discovered nearly 19 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

At approximately 10:18 p.m. on July 11, 2026, Monterey police officers pulled over a white Nissan sedan near mile marker 302 for a registration display violation. During the stop, officers suspected further criminal activity was taking place and requested assistance from a Putnam County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit.

The K9 conducted an open-air sniff and alerted officers to the vehicle. A subsequent search yielded approximately 18.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, alongside various items associated with the use and distribution of illegal drugs.

Both occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody and booked on multiple drug-related charges:

• Kyle Parks (Driver): Charged with the manufacture, sale, delivery, and possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while in possession of methamphetamine. Parks is currently being held on a $70,000 bond.

• Richard Hall (Passenger): Charged with the manufacture, sale, delivery, and possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hall is being held on a $110,000 bond.

Following the arrests, the Monterey Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the community safe, stating that officers are working “day and night” to protect the area.