Traffic stop leads to drug bust

Five people have been arrested on charges related to a seizure early Thursday morning of drugs, cash, and weapons in Kalispell.

Officers from Kalispell Police Department and the Northwest Drug Task Force searched vehicles and homes, reportedly coming up with as much as a pound of cocaine, plus marijuana and guns.

Police said about $15,000 was also seized.

The suspects and charges arrested on Thursday and Friday are:

Fred VanDyken, 49, Modesto, Calif., possession of dangerous drugs; John Simanek, 38, Modesto, possession of dangerous drugs; Jacob McDonald, 29, Kalispell, possession of drugs with intent to sell; Ashley Scarff, 21, Kalispell, possession with intent to sell; William Solymanbeyk, 37, Modesto, possession of dangerous drugs with intent to sell.

The arrests came after Kalispell policeman Tony McDonnell stopped a vehicle at about 1 a.m. Thursday for driving in the wrong lane of traffic on First Avenue East. An eventual search of the vehicle reportedly turned up suspected drugs and cash.

Subsequent searches at the Red Lion Motor Inn, a residence on Crestline Avenue, other vehicles and other locations allegedly revealed more cash and substances believed to be marijuana and cocaine.

Among the weapons reportedly seized were several assault rifles. Officials said the guns are legal unless they are used in connection with illegal drug sales or by convicted felons.

In that case, charges might be pursued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Kevin Burns, commander of the drug team, said a pound of cocaine has a street value of about $40,000.