2 accused of drug crimes after traffic stop

A woman was charged with possession of a dangerous drug (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia May 29 during a traffic stop by Maricopa Police about 4 p.m.

According to a police probable cause statement, two officers stopped a silver Chrysler minivan for a civil traffic violation in the AutoZone parking lot on North John Wayne Parkway. Elisia Ugalde, 33, was identified as the driver of the vehicle based on her Ak-Chin Tribal Identification Card.

An officer located a small clear baggie which contained methamphetamine inside her bra, according to the police report. Ugalde told police she took it from another passenger inside the vehicle, so he would not get into trouble.

She was transported and booked into the Pinal County Jail.

During a search of the vehicle, police found Edgar Espinoza lying in the rear portion of the van. Espinoza was wanted on a warrant out of the Western Pinal Justice Court with a bond of $500 required. He was placed into handcuffs.

During a later search police found tinfoil in his front left pants pockets with evidence of a black burnt residue consistent with smoking methamphetamine. Officers also found a glass pipe in the vehicle they believe was used for smoking methamphetamine.

Espinoza, 26, was booked into the Pinal County Jail on the warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.