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By DJ Becker

California Highway Patrol officers J. Ruvalcaba and E. Jimenez pose with drug sniffing K-9 dog T'Lajo and about a pound of a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine.

Photo by: For The Madera Tribune

A traffic stop by California Highway Patrol officers on State Route 99 resulted in the seizure of about a pound of a substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine, authorities said Friday.

Officer Ronnie Lopez said two male cousins -Cristobal Viscarra, 24, of Washington State, and Effrain Quintero, 30, of San Diego- were arrested early Thursday morning on suspicion of drug transportation, and suspicion of drug possession with the intent to distribute.

"(CHP) Officers Ruvalcaba and Jimenez stopped a southbound, late model red Dodge pickup truck on suspicion of DUI just north of Avenue 20. On questioning the occupants, they observed inconsistent answers and other behaviors that lead them to believe the occupants may be hiding drugs in the vehicle. Officer Long of the K-9 unit of CHP was called to the scene to examine the vehicle for concealed drugs. The drug sniffing dog alerted on the location of the substance hidden inside the body of the vehicle," Lopez said.

The CHP Madera District K-9 unit is operated by Officer D. Long. Lopez said a pound of crystal meth is worth at least $50,000 to $60,000 in value if sold on the street.