A Bogalusa woman was arrested Saturday on drug-related charges after a traffic stop for speeding, according to Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Haley said that WPSO patrol deputy Norman Taylor was driving east on Louisiana Highway 10 near Franklinton when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

“Taylor made a traffic stop near the Lawrence Creek Bridge, and upon his approach to the driver’s side window, he detected a strong smell of marijuana,” Haley said. “When questioned, the female driver admitted that she had smoked marijuana recently.”

A search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, clear baggies which are commonly used to distribute illegal drugs, an open bottle of alcohol and a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol which was fully loaded. A further search of the driver’s purse revealed a quantity of illegal pills, Haley said.

The driver, Kelsey Morgan Lewis, 23, a resident of Avenue E in Bogalusa, was arrested and transported to the Washington Parish Jail, where she was booked on charges of possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs, possession of illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substances with a weapon present and having an open container in her vehicle. As of Monday morning, she remained in jail with her bond set at $30,000.

“Another example of an alert patrol deputy,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “When our officers stop someone for speeding, they never know what the outcome will be. Thanks, Deputy Taylor, for a job well done.”